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

The Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat, Oman, with its grand dome and minarets, surrounded by colorful flower beds.

Top Attractions in Oman

10 min read

Oman, the land of endless deserts and picturesque coastlines, captivates travelers with a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you're eager to immerse yourself in the Sultanate's rich culture, be enchanted by its natural beauty, or explore historic landmarks, Oman's attractions promise a variety of unforgettable experiences. In this article, we introduce you to five of the most impressive places you must experience during your trip to Oman....

A person working on a structure near a harbor with boats and buildings in the background.

Khasab

2 min read

In the port city of Khasab, the largest town in the small Omani enclave,Mussandam, more than half of the people who call this region home live. The official numbers fluctuate between 17'500 and 23'000 inhabitants. In any case, Khasab is a small and manageable town that has quite a lot to offer. Those who want to see all the sights and soak up the charm of the city will need two to three days. Khasab – the remote producer “The remote producer” is the approximate translation of the name Khasab into English. The name makes sense, as a significant portion of Oman’s date harvest is gathered in Kh...

A lush green valley with a flowing river surrounded by rocky hills and mountains under a clear blue sky.

Wadi Tiwi

1 min read

When you explore Oman from the coastal roads you will continually encounter a typical natural attraction of the country. So-called wadis stretch along the coastal strip. Wadis are dry riverbeds that flow into the sea. These valleys are home to a unique flora and fauna and resemble dreamy oases. Wadi Tiwi is located just 3 km from the town of the same name. Wadi Tiwi is densely vegetated and its mountain formations contrast fascinatingly with the vegetation. Over a distance of about 10 kilometers, you can explore this palm-rich wadi from above and enjoy a great view of its shape. Several small ...