Final answer:
Travel by caravan in ancient times was often worth the risk for traders and merchants due to the profit potential of the goods traded. Governments and wealthy individuals sponsored caravansaries, which provided protection and security for travelers. However, bandits and robbers were a constant threat and weak states could not guarantee security for traders and travelers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Travel by caravan in ancient times was often worth the risk for traders and merchants due to the profit potential of the goods traded. However, it was not without its dangers. Bandits and robbers were a constant threat, and weak states could not guarantee security for traders and travelers. Governments and wealthy individuals sponsored caravansaries, which were inns along the trade routes where traders could rest and store their goods securely. These caravansaries provided a level of protection and security for travelers, making the risk of travel by caravan more manageable. In some cases, the benefits of trade outweighed the risks involved.