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Updated by Joanna James on Mar 16, 2024
Headline for 5 Archaeological Sites in Oman - For the History Buffs!
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Joanna James Joanna James
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5 Archaeological Sites in Oman - For the History Buffs!

Middle eastern history does not cease to amaze people. And this is the reason why you need to head to Oman this vacation to explore their archaeological sites. Here are some of the places you shouldn't miss out on, on this trip.

1

Wadi Al Ayn Tombs

These tombs are one of the most popular archaeological sites here in Oman. They are located high up on rocky hills close to the north bank of Wadi al-Ayn. Here is where twenty-one tombs are lined up in almost what you could perceive as a straight line. The tombs take up a beehive kind of design and it said to trace back at least to 3 BC. The tombs are constructed with blocks of limestone and each one measure around 5 m.

2

Al Balid City

This is one of the iconic ancient ports in the Arabian Sea and is a part of the well-known Frankincense Trail. This port has quite an ancient history that dates back to at least 2000 BC. After extensive archaeological excavations, it was revealed that this city might actually go back to the Iron Age. It was one of the important trade hubs in the Indian Ocean and among the largest ones too. You can visit this site when in Salalah, a city that is quite conveniently located to most of the historical sites. If you're looking for Salalah hotels for accommodation close to these sites, you can check out properties like Al Baleed Resort Salalah, for instance.

3

Bayt Al Qefel

These are a special type of houses that is common in the Musandam Governorate. The houses are established and designed by a special type of architecture which is a testimony to the ingenuity of the Omanis. The houses are well adapted to the different conditions of weather as well as life. These houses are first constructed by digging large holes (1/2 a meter) in the Earth. Big pottery jars are kept underneath in order to store staples and date for the coming summer months which can be quite harsh in the mountains. Afterwards, the house is built with a very minute entry point and only one person can enter, crawling. The house is erected with pebbles or mountain rocks and the roof is finally put in place!

4

Al Manzafah

This is the place to head to, to witness old buildings, towers and forts constructed and established with traditional cement and plaster of Oman. These structures have ancient inscriptions too. They are decorated so well that it has become one of the popular cultural landmarks. These buildings might be completely dilapidated, but they are still alive and has made it as iconic landmarks of the country. These are the remnants of a time gone by that you can still witness today.

5

Bat Tombs and Settlement

This is another discovery that was made and is quite a popular one too. The bat tombs and settlements are historical sites which date back to 3BC. These were actually the second site that was listed in the World Heritage site of Oman. There is a collection of tombs in the southside which all take up the shape of beehives making it quite an extraordinary sight.