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Oman / Dhofar /
History
Dhofar is an area rich in history. In 1992, an American satellite
discovered the remains of a city submerged beneath the sands of
the Omani section of the Rub' al Khali (the Empty Quarter). Initial
speculation indicated that this was the legendary city, Iram Dhat
al Emad, distinguished by its imposing columns and high walls,
which is mentioned in the Quran.
The site
has been subject to much exploration and study by archaeologists
who have dated pottery and glass vessels excavated from the area
at around 100BC. It has also been ascertained that the city sank
under the sands due to what has been deemed a 'light earthquake'.
This could
be the 'clamour' which is referred to in the Quran: '..a great
clamour was heard in the sky and Shaddad and all who accompanied
him were struck down' - and the city sank below the ground.
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