Lost cities spark the imagination. Let me tell you about Shisr, also known as Ubar, the Atlantis of the Sands.
Shisr is an archaeological site in Dhofar province. Many names have been given to this lost city since its discovery in 1990. Some call it Ubar, others Wabar, Iram, or Atlantis of Sands.
Artifacts suggest Shisr existed before 2800 BCE. Legend says God destroyed it because of its residents’ debauchery. New evidence indicates a large limestone cavern collapsed around 100 to 200 CE destroying Shisr.
Imagine this: Shisr sits on a slight rise in the barren Empty Quarter. Its fortress had a large well, the only water source for days.
In 1992, archaeologists led by Nicholas Clapp excavated a Bedouin well at Shisr. Based on excavations and satellite photos, they concluded this was Ubar or Iram of the Pillars. This name appears in the Quran.
A plaque at the entrance proclaims “Welcome to Ubar the Lost City of Bedouin Legend”. But scholars still debate if this is truly the legendary city.
Shisr is one of the frankincense sites on the World Heritage List. The site is protected. Satellite technology helped discover Ubar under the desert sands. The remains of the ancient caravan oasis were found about 170 km north of Salalah.
Roaming around the site, you’ll see evidence of chess pieces and an administrative building. Low stone walls and small rooms contained remains of an early medieval chess set dating to the 11th or 12th centuries AD.
These chess pieces are a rare example from the Middle East. To the right of the low walling is the main gate. Three-quarters of it disappeared in the central collapse.
The small central structure likely served as the fort’s administrative building. A square tower suggests the medieval age occupation belonged to the Iron Age. There’s evidence of incense production at the site.
Just north of the square structure is a small room. The fort likely served as a transshipment point for frankincense. It was either along the southern tier of Rub al Khali or northward to the oasis of Yabrin.
Built nearly 5000 years ago, Ubar processed and shipped frankincense. This aromatic resin grew in the nearby Qara Mountains. Frankincense was used in cremations, religious ceremonies, perfumes, and medicines. It was as valuable as gold.
Nicholas Clapp believes an earthquake caused the city’s destruction between 300 to 500 CE. The limestone table collapsed. The decline of the incense trade sealed Ubar’s fate. Caravan routes through Shisr declined.
Infrared images from a satellite revealed a regional network of tracks. Camels used some tracks over two thousand years ago. These pinpointed the city’s location.
Researchers found evidence that the climate was different when the city thrived. There were eight pillars or guard towers around the complex. Three were closest to the large administrative building. The walled complex may have had two gates in opposing walls.
The legendary King Shaddad ibn ‘Ad built his “imitation of paradise” over a large limestone cavern. The weight of the city caused the cavern to collapse creating a massive sinkhole. This destroyed much of the city. The presence of the sinkhole confirms the city met a cataclysmic end.
Excavations at Ubar have provided information about the frankincense trade. At each corner of the 12-feet high wall stood a tower. The towers were the primary distinguishing feature of Ubar.
So, when you stand here at Shisr remember its many names and legends. Think of the frankincense trade that once thrived and the cataclysmic end that befell this lost city.