Ubar facts for kids

Ubar is an ancient city that lies in ruins in the country of Oman. It was once a very important place, especially for trading. Many people believe it might be the legendary lost city of Iram of the Pillars, which is mentioned in the Quran, a holy book.

Discovering a Lost City

For a long time, Ubar was just a legend. People called it the "Atlantis of the Sands" because it was thought to be buried under the desert. But in 1992, an English adventurer named Ranulph Fiennes and his team found the ruins. This discovery was very exciting because it showed that the stories might be true!

What Was Ubar Like?

Ubar was an important stop for traders. It was located on the Incense Route, a famous ancient path where valuable frankincense was transported. Frankincense is a special tree resin used for perfumes and medicines. Ubar was a place where traders could rest and get water for their camels before continuing their long journeys across the desert.

Why Did Ubar Collapse?

The city of Ubar was built on top of large underground caves or "vaults." These vaults held important water supplies for the city and its visitors. Over time, the ground above these vaults became weak. Eventually, parts of the city's ceiling collapsed into the caves below. This collapse destroyed much of Ubar, leaving it in ruins.

Visiting Ubar Today

Today, you can visit the remains of Ubar in Oman. Because it is in a remote desert area, you usually need a special vehicle, like a four-wheel drive, to reach it. When you get there, you can see the parts of the city that fell into the collapsed vaults. There is also a small museum nearby. This museum helps visitors learn more about Ubar's history and its importance in ancient times.