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Al-Balid, ancient Zofar

Oman (Arab States)

Date of Submission: 04/07/1988
Criteria:
Category: Cultural
Submission prepared by:
Delegation Permanente du Sultanat d'Oman aupres de l' UNESCO
Coordinates:
Long. 54°8' East Lat. 17°00'15" North
Ref.: 499

Description

The site had been recognized by travellers in the XIXth century (Carter 1846) and excavated in 1952 by W.Phillips and the American foundations for the Study of Man.

Trenches were opened on the most prominent tell of the site where he undercovered what he considered as the "King's palace" and to the eastern town gate. The expedition was exclusively interested in pre-islamic antiquities and the site was abandoned once judge "islamic". There is no scientific report on this work which is shortly mentioned by W.Phillips. Since 1977, a full survey of the site and excavations mainly aimed at the great mosque were undertaken by Pr.Paolo Costa on behalf of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture. A very substantial preliminary report has been published in the journal of Oman Studies. This lead to a reappraisal of ancient excavations, a better knowledge of its topography, and the uncovering of the very fine wooden decoration of the mosque. The excavators established that the city was already settled during the 11th century. Its final decline took place during the 16th century.