Close-up of a tree trunk with peeling bark and twisted branches against a blue sky.

Frankincense Oman

Frankincense Oman

It is reported in traditions that camel caravans had to cover more than 100 days' marches to reach their destination Gaza after 3400 kilometers. Frankincense was considered a miraculous remedy of the gods during the times of the Roman Empire and was transported in tonnage. The high demand for frankincense in ritual practices was responsible for the prosperity of the route, as well as the cities and empires it connected, since the 5th century BC.

Written by: Philip Eichkorn Last updated at: September 30, 2025

The Frankincense Route meant a tremendous economic upswing for the adjoining regions, and so in the 8th century BC, trade with jewelry, gold, and other precious goods also took place along this route. Today, most of the ancient caravan routes of the Frankincense Route have blown away, and their cities have sunk into the sand. Only a few lonely oases appear now and then. In 1984, a junction of three trade routes was located using satellite images. Excavations began, and the ruins of a city were found, which some researchers believe to be the legendary Wubar. In the tale from One Thousand and One Nights, Wubar was considered the Atlantis of the desert, which was destroyed by Allah because its inhabitants had become arrogant and greedy.

Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home

Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.

We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.

From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.

You might also like this

Sunset over a town nestled between rugged mountains in Muscat, Oman.

The Regions of Oman

10 min read

Oman captivates travelers with a breathtaking variety of landscapes and cultures. Each region of the country has its own unique characteristics – from rugged mountains and idyllic coastlines to vast deserts and lush oases. In this article, we introduce you to four of Oman’s most fascinating regions, each offering an unparalleled travel experience....

A view of deep canyon with steep rocky cliffs and sparse vegetation in a desert landscape.

Geography

1 min read

The Sultanate of Oman is located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. To the northwest, the country borders the United Arab Emirates, to the west Saudi Arabia, and to the southwest Yemen. The 1,700-kilometer-long coast in the east forms a natural border. There, Oman borders the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf. The total area of the country is 309,000 square kilometers. Thus, the state is just slightly smaller than Germany. The territory includes the exclave Musandam at the Strait of Hormuz. The United Arab Emirates separate Musandam from the rest of the country. The...

A security guard with gray hair and a black cap seen from behind, standing on an escalator in an indoor location.

Safety in Oman

6 min read

Over recent years, Oman has established itself as one of the safest travel destinations in the Middle East, especially appealing to individual and luxury travelers. The Sultanate stands out with its political stability, low crime rate, and well-developed healthcare system that meets the needs of modern travelers. Ranked as the most peaceful country in the region on the 2023 Global Peace Index and scoring extremely low on the Global Terrorism Index, Oman presents a rare oasis of safety. These stable conditions create an ideal environment for relaxed, authentic travel experiences....