Frankincense Road
Frankincense Road
“Tears of the Gods,” as frankincense is also called, were responsible for worldwide trade relations, power, and wealth. The resin, weighed against gold, was transported by camels on the frankincense road, the oldest trade route in the world. The first recorded transport of frankincense took place in the tenth century BC when the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon. Trade within Arabia likely developed at this time due to the domestication of the camel since camels could carry heavy loads and go for several days without water, allowing trade routes to traverse barren desert areas as well. The route of the ancient frankincense road began in Dhofar (Oman), passed through present-day Yemen along the western coast of Arabia, and finally ended in Gaza and Damascus. Camel caravans took 100 days to cover this approximately 3400 kilometers long distance.
The heyday of the frankincense road lasted from the fifth century BC to the first century AD. During this time, cities and kingdoms emerged along the trade route, serving as transshipment points and watering places, but imposing high tariffs. Through these revenues, they gained power and wealth. However, a disadvantage was that they were dependent on frankincense as there were neither fertile soils for growing crops nor bodies of water for maritime trade in the dry desert landscape. When the Red Sea was opened up and trade over it could be conducted faster and mainly without high tariffs, the kingdoms along the frankincense road lost importance and eventually perished.
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.
Experts for your Oman trip
You might also like this
Muscat Capital Region
Cultural Highlights and Unique Experiences in and around Muscat Muscat, the capital of Oman, is renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes and modern architecture but also for its deep-rooted culture and history. For discerning travelers, the city offers exclusive cultural experiences that provide a unique insight into the nation’s rich past and traditions. From majestic fortresses to private tours and one-of-a-kind encounters, Muscat presents a myriad of opportunities to experience Omani culture at its finest....
Bulls of Batina in Oman
The Batina plain in the Sultanate of Oman is a 250 km long coastal section in the north of Oman. The region borders the Emirate of Fujairah to the north and the Governorate of Muscat to the south. The Batina plain is the agricultural center of Oman, as citrus fruits, dates, mangoes, bananas, and tomatoes grow here. Additionally, it is the second most populous region of the country with about 1.2 million inhabitants. Together with the adjacent capital region of Muscat, approximately 3.7 million people live here. The regional capital is Sohar, known for its beautiful mosque and deep-sea port. A...
European Expats in Oman
As a European expat in Oman, one has chosen a country that makes it comparatively easy for foreign workers and immigrants. Oman is a country that has been undergoing an enormous economic upturn for years. This also means that there is still a great demand for skilled workers from other countries in the country. Especially the advancing development of the industry in Oman, which aims to ensure increasing independence from the oil and gas sector, continuously brings interesting contracts to companies from all over Europe in Oman. The assembly and commissioning of industrial plants can take sever...