![]() Image analysis further shows no evidence of major undocumented sites in this desert region (e.g. Thus the desert environment can preserve ancient evidence of human occupation detectable in remote sensing data. Some of these trails are demonstrably old as they pass beneath sand dunes 100 m tall. The archaeological importance of the site is supported through regional context provided by carefully enhanced Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and other satellite imagery that shows a discontinuous network of trails that converge at Shisr. The site was known earlier but its significance unappreciated, as it was never studied in adequate detail. The archaeological site was located, and its importance recognized, by an unusual combination of historical research and application of space technology in support of traditional archaeology. Desert trade was probably abandoned because of three primary factors: frankincense diminished in importance with the conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity, desert ground-water levels continued to fall and the oases dried up, and reliable sea transportation was developed. Less fanciful interpretation of legendary and other accounts clearly indicates “Ubar” was actually a region-the “Land of the Iobaritae” identified by Ptolemy. Actually, much of the fortress collapsed into the sinkhole that hosted the well, perhaps undermined by ground water withdrawal used to irrigate the surrounding oasis. Legend was that Ubar perished in a sandstorm as divine punishment for wicked living. More recent work in Oman and Yemen indicates this fortress is the easternmost remains of a series of desert caravansaries that supported incense trade. Artifacts from as far away as Persia, Rome, and Greece are found, indicating a long period of far-flung trade through this isolated desert location. The site consists of the remains of a central fortress surrounding a well. ![]() A location that likely inspired some elements of legendary accounts of the “lost city” of Ubar has been found at the edge of the Arabian Peninsula’s Empty Quarter at the village of Ash Shisr in modern day Oman.
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