Ancient times
Ancient times
Already in the third century, the eastern Arabian Peninsula was inhabited by the Umm an-Nar culture, whose territory extended from present-day UAE to the northern part of Oman. Important trading partners for this early culture were the Sumerians as well as the Indus Valley culture in present-day Pakistan. The land was then referred to as Magan and was limited to the present northern part of the sultanate. Little is known about the organization of this culture, aside from a mention by Naram-Sin of Akkad (2200 BC) about a victory over King Manium of Magan.
Due to the existing copper deposits in the country, Magan early gained significance, as copper was needed for the production of the very popular bronze at that time. At its peak between 2200 BC and 1900 BC, up to 4000 tons of copper were mined. At that time, the transport of various export goods primarily took place via sea routes.
When the Indus Valley culture declined around 1800 BC and direct trade with Mesopotamia ceased, Magan lost significance despite ongoing copper mining. This is likely due to the fact that Mesopotamia began sourcing copper mainly from Cyprus thereafter.
In the 6th century, the Persians conquered the coasts of Oman for the first time and built the famous irrigation system "Falaj". The Arab tribe of Azd from Yemen then expelled the Parthians from Oman in the 2nd century AD and settled there.
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
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....
Oman’s Landscapes
Oman stands out with its incredible natural diversity, setting itself apart from many other Arab countries. Far from the stereotype of endless desert landscapes, Oman offers a surprising blend of majestic mountains, vast sand dunes, turquoise coastlines, and lush, fertile plains. Spanning over 309,500 square kilometers, the country boasts natural wonders from the towering peaks of the Hajar Mountains to the tropical regions of Dhofar in the south. Oman is especially captivating for independent travelers seeking unique encounters with nature. Northern gems like Jabal Shams, the expansive deser...
Oil, Gas, and Industry in Oman
Oil and gas are the two industries that still account for the largest part of the Omani gross domestic product. It was around 51% in 2013. This leads to the fact that still around 85% of state revenues come from the sale of oil and gas, which in turn leads to an enormous dependence on factors such as oil prices and the global demand for oil and gas. Coupled with the fact that Oman is a country that has comparatively few oil reserves that can be extracted without significant technical and financial effort, this poses a mammoth task for the political leadership. For relying solely on oil and gas...