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

A bustling traditional market street in Oman with vendors selling spices and textiles, shaded by colorful fabrics.

Souqs in Oman

7 min read

The souqs of Oman are true cultural and historical treasures. These traditional markets offer a variety of handmade goods, from fine fabrics and silver jewelry to exotic spices and incense. Each souq tells its own story and provides an authentic glimpse into the life and traditions of Oman. Let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere, and discover which souqs you shouldn’t miss on your next trip!...

A traditional Omani khanjar (curved dagger) and a decorative heart-shaped pendant displayed on a black platform within an ornate white frame.

Oman in Ancient Times

1 min read

Muslim Arabs, led by the companion of the Prophet Amr ibn al-As, conquered the region of Oman around 630 AD and made it part of the Caliphate of the Umayyads and Abbasids. They ruled Oman for an extended period from Baghdad and Damascus. This marks the dawn of Islam in Oman. Just a few decades later, the Islamic sect of Ibadism emerged, establishing independent Imamate in the interior around 900 AD. After prolonged power struggles, the authority of the Imams lost influence to the Nabhani dynasty, which managed to reunite Oman around 1180 AD. The Nabhani made Bahla their capital, but were cons...

Tourists swimming and relaxing in a rocky canyon with clear water under a blue sky

Oman Tourism

2 min read

The Sultanate of Oman on the Arabian Peninsula is continuously developing its tourism in a sustainable way. The philosophy here is fundamentally different from that of the neighboring countries such as the United Arab Emirates. In Oman, there are few hotels, which are, however, of very high standard. The image is shaped by a few luxury hotels while simple hotels or guesthouses are rarely seen. A study by the World Economic Forum (published in April 2017) ranks Oman ninth in terms of tourism growth. The character of gentle tourism remains, as the hotels adapt to the traditional image of Oman a...