Khor Rori — Local services in Dhofar Governorate

Visited Khor Rori, the fascinating archaeological site I had been curious about, especially because of its connection to Queen Sheba. The entrance required a ticket paid via credit card. The site itself is impressive, with well-preserved walls and multi-story buildings that give a real sense of the ancient city’s layout. From the backside, you can see the sea and backwaters, which were used for trading with neighboring regions—primarily in frankincense. The place is serene and peaceful, perfect for soaking in history. The visit concluded with an informative video that added even more context about the site. Overall, a highly enriching and...

Khor Rori is best known for the ruins of the ancient fortified port city of Sumhuram on the eastern bank, which was founded in the 3rd century BC as an outpost for the kingdom of Ḥaḍramawt. After the eclipse of Ḥaḍramawt, Sumhuram was under the influence of the Kingdom of Ḥimyar, as indicated by the Himyarite coins excavated from there. It was finally abandoned in the 5th century, most likely due to the formation of the sandbar blocking the estuary.

Was a great experience to know about the history also the places...

سمهرم ميناء مزدهر بين البحر الأبيض المتوسط والهند مدينة سمهرم القديمة التي شيدت في منطقة خور روري ( القرن الثالث قبل الميلاد - القرن الخامس الميلادي) - تمثل أكثر المستوطنات أهمية في فترة ما قبل الإسلام بمحافظة ظفار وتتوسط مناطق إنتاج اللبان، وتنتشر النقوش الكتابية بخط المسند العربي الجنوبي القديم على طول الممر في مجمع البوابة الرئيسية، وخارج المدينة تم الكشف عن معبد صغير ومباني تعود الفترة الإستيطان المبكرة للمدينة ( القرن الثالث قبل الميلاد - القرن الأول الميلادي). وتدل الكميات الكبيرة المكتشفة من القطع الأثرية الحديدية والبرونزية إضافة إلى ورش التعدين بأن المدينة كانت مركزاً بالغ الأهمية بالنسبة للتجارة الداخلية في الجزء الجنوبي الشرقي من شبه الجزيرة العربية والساحل الشمالي العمان الغني بالنحاس.

Sumhuram: A wealthy port between the Mediterranean and India The ancient site of Sumhuram (3rd century BC-5th century AD), built in the area of Khor Rori, is the most important pre-Islamic settlement in the Dhofar region and in the center of frankincense production areas. South Arabian inscriptions were carved along the monumental gate to the city. Outside the city wall, a small temple and structures contemporary to the first phase of the city were excavated (3rd century BC 1st century AD). The great quantity of iron and bronze objects discovered, as well as the presence of a workshop for metals, suggested that the city was also a very important centre for internal trade towards south-eastern Arabia and the northern coast of Oman, which was...