Oman - Special Interest

Sumhurran "The Legend of Queen Sheba"
&
Ubar "The Lost City"


Sumhurran, legend has it that the city was part of the Himyarite Kingdom Of Syria, ruled by Queen Sheba, in fact archaeological evidence shows that the city was ruled by King Iiazz of the Hadhramaut, known in classical times as Eleazus, King of the Incense Country.

The Greek geographer Ptolemy referred the city as Abyssopolis, its wealth gathered from the immense trade of frankincense.

In 1952 archaeologists confirmed Ptolemy's referral that the site was indeed pre-islamic, indicated by a bronze plaque bearing an inscription in the south Arabian script typical of the civilization in Yemen, the inscription reveals the name of the site as "Smhrm" and further inscribes as being founded by the King of Incense, specifically for the shipment of frankincense, other objects found during excavations help date the site to around AD50-200 and gold coins depicting a women's head - The Legendary Queen of Sheba perhaps ??




Ubar, in 1992 while excavating Shisr, 140klms northeast of Salalah and noted for its fresh water wells, archaeologists found what is believed by many to be the lost city of Ubar, known as Irem in the Qu'ran, whose riches, where legendary.

The discovery of its exact whereabouts was brought about by infrared satellite photographs taken of the Rub Al Khali Sands, the images recorded miles of ancient camel tracks which abruptly disappeared under a vast sand, rocked ridge. Like the Bible's account of Soddam & Gomorrah, the
Qu'ran relates how the citizens of Irem were punished for their excessive lifestyles and how the city which was built over a huge limestone cavern at some point collapsed and was buried forever.
The historian Al Hamdani, writing in AD6 hailed Ubar as one of Arabia's most priceless treasures "a city lying astride the fabled incense routes with imposing architecture, vast orchards & fabulous wealth" Sir Ranulph Fiennes the famed British explorer who wrote about his search in his book "Atlantis of the Sands" published in 1992 - spent years trying to locate Ubar in the parched desert of the Rub Al Khali, finally his excavation At Shisr revealed eight towers & walls which are believed to be the city's precincts, Roman, Greek & Syrian pottery where also found which dated to around 4500 years ago.

While there are known to have been many caravanserai's placed at strategic locations along the frankincense routs through Arabia, it seems very likely that this place called Shisr once stood - Ubar - The Lost City.
A wonderful excursion best appreciated over a 3 day period
For Bookings & Enquiries, Contact us at info@offroademirates.com

 

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