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
International Connection
Oman has long become a true hotspot for tourism in the Middle East. A consistent expansion of the country's infrastructure, the introduction and development of a gentle tourism concept, and the preservation of the identity of the state and the people in Oman play an important role. It is different from countries like the United Arab Emirates, where tourists only find a colorful world of replicated superlatives, but no identity or originality. In Oman, you can get to know the culture and history of the people in the country. Overall, Islam in Oman is more cosmopolitan and progressive than in an...
Oryxantelope
The Arabian oryx belongs to the subfamily of horse antelopes and is a distinct genus. Its natural habitat is traditionally found in semi-arid and arid landscapes, such as the Arabian Peninsula. Thus, Oman is also part of its natural habitat. In places where the sun shines year-round and it often exceeds 30 degrees even in winter, the Arabian oryx is native. Characteristic of both sexes are its very light, almost white coat and its spiral, slightly curved horns. The shoulder or body height is about 80-100 cm, while the horn length usually measures 50-70 cm. Another feature is the dark brown an...
Oman’s Fascinating Wildlife
Oman is renowned not only for its stunning landscapes and historical sites but also for its incredible diversity of wildlife. From the arid deserts to the lush coastal regions, the country is home to a captivating array of animals that enchant travelers from around the world. Whether on land or in the sea, Oman’s wildlife offers unique encounters that make your travel experience truly unforgettable. In this article, we introduce some of the country’s most impressive animals and explain where and how you can best see them....