Oman culture: 6,000 years of frankincense

Muscat: After telling the story of Frankincense through stunningly rendering three online chapters – The Tree and Its Gifts, The Frankincense Trail and The Blessed Dhofar Region – today are featuring its 6,000 years of history.
The fourth chapter 6,000 years of history tells the readers how, since its discovery, frankincense has been linked to the human need to have a solemn connection to their gods.
It became a symbol of luxury associated with prestige and tradition.
Trade gave life to powerful kingdoms in southern Arabia and its decline also caused the collapse of these societies.
Today, the frankincense trade is a shadow of what it was and it is incredible to imagine that a long time ago it was one of the most prized possessions in the ancient world.
The stunningly rendered project traces the origins and history of incense, and its uses through the ages.
Frankincense, also called olibanum, is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfume. It is obtained by cutting the tree bark of the genus Boswellia, which grows in Arabia, Africa and South Asia.
The English word frankincense is derived from the Old French “franc encens”, meaning superior incense.
Caravan routes were established along the Arabian Peninsula when Mediterranean civilisations discovered, and fell in love with, its aroma. Soon, frankincense became even more expensive than gold, and continued to be priced high until petroleum was discovered in Arabia.
Many experts agree that the finest frankincense is produced by those species of trees native to Oman.
And we think you’ll agree that the best way to read all about the frankincense story is to go online at http://timesofoman.com/extra/oman_land_of_frankincense/index.html