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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: May 27, 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.

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Population

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Oman had around 4.52 million inhabitants in 2021. It is likely that the number has again increased, as it has generally been on the rise in recent decades. The birth rate of almost three children per woman not only reflects the Arabian love for large families, rather, it is an expression of the deep satisfaction that persists in the country and of the fact that people have experienced a transformation in the last few decades that is second to none. Due to this fact, more than half of Omanis are under 18 years old and more than 30 % are under 15. The people of Oman today have a much longer life...

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Frankincense Road

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“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 r...

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Climate

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The climate in the Sultanate of Oman varies from region to region. In the coastal areas of the north and east of the country, it is hot and humid (subtropical climate). The humidity is - 80%. In the desert regions of the interior, which are separated from the north of the country by the Hadjar Mountains it is dry and hot. The south differs significantly from the rest of the country, as the monsoon winds blow here. In Oman, the year can roughly be divided into summer and winter. Summer lasts from May to September. Winter sets in around mid/end of October and lasts until the end of March. The a...

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