How was food transported is the olden days?

Before the advent of modern transportation, food transportation was an intricate and challenging task. Here are some common methods used in the olden days:

1. Human Carriers:

In ancient times, people, including merchants and travelers, carried food items on their backs, heads, or in baskets. This method was primarily used for shorter distances and smaller quantities.

2. Pack Animals:

Pack animals like donkeys, mules, horses, and camels were extensively used to transport food over longer distances. They could carry heavy loads and travel through rough terrains.

3. Carts and Wagons:

Horse-drawn carts and wagons were employed to move large quantities of food. These vehicles could be covered or uncovered and were suitable for transporting bulky goods.

4. Boats and Ships:

In regions with access to waterways and seas, boats and ships played a crucial role in food transportation. They could carry large amounts of food across rivers, lakes, and oceans.

5. Preserving and Storing:

To ensure the longevity of perishable food items, preservation techniques like drying, salting, smoking, pickling, and fermenting were widely practiced. This extended their shelf life and facilitated storage during transportation.

6. Caravan Trade Routes:

Long-distance food transportation often involved caravans of merchants traveling along established trade routes. These routes connected different regions, facilitating the exchange of various food items.

7. Storage Facilities:

Along trade routes, there were storage facilities or warehouses where merchants could keep their goods until they found buyers. These facilities sometimes provided shelter for travelers as well.

8. Local Markets:

Local markets served as hubs for food exchange and distribution. Farmers and merchants brought their produce to these markets, allowing local residents to purchase fresh food.

9. Cooling Techniques:

In certain instances, people used natural cooling methods to preserve perishable food during transportation. These included placing food in cool cellars, using ice, or transporting it during colder seasons.

10. Canning and Tinning:

In the 19th century, the invention of canning and tinning revolutionized food preservation and transportation. This technology allowed for the preservation of a wide variety of food items for extended periods, facilitating their distribution across the globe.

These traditional food transportation methods played a crucial role in sustaining civilizations, enabling communities to access diverse food sources and facilitating trade and commerce.