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

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Written by: Luca Krohn Last updated at: May 21, 2025

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 constantly threatened by Persian invaders. This period is poorly documented, but there were recurring fluctuations in the size of the territory. At the end of this dynasty, the Persians regained control of the coastal regions before the Portuguese invaded in 1507 AD. Muscat invasion.

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Experts for your Oman trip

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Philip Eichkorn

Luca Krohn

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Nils Lindhorst

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