A little bit of biblical history and archeology

Having taken her turn to take a close up view of the tomb of prophet Job, my wife’s fascination and life story of Job as written in the Holy Bible, made this long trip to Salalah from Muscat by road travel lasting 12 hours all the more memorable. Here in this photo, as all other female visitors,the scarf requirement is a sign of respect to the place.

What’s the History of Job’s Tomb?Interesting historical facts on Prophet Job Location: Salalah, a windy, cold city in time of summer during the neo assyrian era 700 BC brings us back to the life of Job the prophet who had his faith tested to the limits.He died and later was buried here. As to how anyone would like to know where they can find this very intriguing place, the city of Salalah, located in the south of Oman is the answer. It is beautifully situated between coconut plantations and banana groves, extending along a coast with pristine beaches. It is here, amidst the breath-taking scenery, where Job’s Tomb can be found, nestled in the mountains. After a 40-minute drive through winding roads and picturesque valleys, the grave of the prophet is located in a small house near a mosque.

A faith that stood out thru the test of time in Job.

Job was the hero of the biblical Book of Job. As recounted in  the Bible, Job was a man of such great devotion to the extent that Satan was allowed by God to test his faith.When Job’s children were killed, and his possessions destroyed and all that was left in him was a dying body that was afflicted with  plague from head to toe, Job never expressed anger at God nor questioned his undying devotion. And as a reward for his steadfastness, God gave him even more possessions than he had previously had. Job died in style- an extremely wealthy man, with many camels and children. Job’s tomb in Salalah is where this biblical hero, revered by Muslims, Jews and Christians worldwide, is said to have been laid to rest.Inside the tomb is a long mound covered reverently with brightly coloured cloths. Another noticeable adornment is a chart listing the names of various prophets. An open air enclosure near the tomb has prayer rugs scattered on the ground for  pilgrims.

Travelling in and around Salalah will get you used to seeing beautiful sand dunes like this.

The  picturesque Dhofar region of Oman is host to this archeological site called Sumhuram in Salalah where the Palace of Queen Sheba ruins was found.

Suicide Point,Salalah

Marneef Cave,Salalah

Al Baleed Excavation Site.The city of Al Baleed lies on Salalah’s coastal strip. During the Middle Ages the town played an important role in world trade through its harbour and links with the ports of China, India, Sind, Yemen and East Africa, as well as with Iraq and Europe.

The Sumhuram Archeological site structure towers above this famous tree planted in its facade known as the Frankincense tree.Historically,Sumhuram was known as the greatest city of Southeast Arabia during 1000BC. It is a port that was strategically built paving the success of frankincense trade route from Arabia to Jerusalem to Alexandria and even to as far as Rome.

The ruins of Queen Sheba Palace (Khor Ruri) which used to be a harbour long long back in ancient history.

Mughsayl Beach Salalah(Oman)

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