The Necropolis of Bat
The northeastern hinterland of Ibri is rich in prehistoric sites. The majority date from the 3rd millennium BC and belong to the Hafit and Umm an Nar civilisations.
In the 1970s a team of Danish archaeologists discovered, north of Bat, a settlement with a necropolis, a highly important find. It turned out to be the largest known site from the Umm an Nar period in Oman and, together with al Ain’s beehive tombs, it has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The thousands of beehive tombs scattered over the mountain are further important witnesses to this period. They form the largest known necropolis from this time.
The most impressive collection of relatively well-preserved beehive tombs are in the neighborhood of Al Ain some 23 kilometers beyond Bat. Twenty one of these tomb constructions are strung like pearls over the mountain range before the impressive backdrop of the Jabal al Misht.
Georg Popp
What makes this travel guide so special? This book is a product of the long-term personal friendship between the authors, Mr Georg Popp and Mr Juma Al-Maskari and their continuing fascination with the Sultanate of Oman. Combining their insights from European and Omani perspectives, they have produced a guide which is as much about culture and history as it is a practical guide for planning your itinerary.
