Archeological material of the Ministry’s internet site

Al-Baleed site:
 
The city was earlier known as Dhofar. It was established in the 4th Heijrah (10th century AD). It was mentioned by travelers Miles 1883 and Thomas 1930 who visited Salalah plain in the 19th Century AD. Miles presented a report on the site and a picture of al-Baleed ruins. Traveler Carter also mentioned the site in 1846 AD. It was destroyed and reconstructed 1221 AD. It gradually lost its importance due to domination of Portuguese over most of its exports to India.

In 1952 AD the American mission for humans study dug several trenches in the site and found what was believed to be the king palace and the city’s eastern gate. As the mission focused on the pre-Islam period, the site was deserted and excavations stopped and it was found that it dated back to the Islamic period. In 1977 the ministry implemented field works at the site.

The city overlooks the sea. It was rectangular in shape and was surrounded by a fence with three gates which were used as entries. Excavations were conducted into two phases in 1978 and focused on the greater mosque which was a high rectangular building surrounded by balconies from all sides. This type of balconies was used in most of Dhofar Governorate.

Findings in the mosque included burnished Islamic pottery, Chinese porcelain and some Islamic coins and coins dating to the Chinese Singh family.

Following a study of the antiques, it was known that the city enjoyed stability and prosperity and served as an important commercial and industrial centre in Dhofar Governorate. This was confirmed by Ibn Batuta when he visited the city during the first half of the 14th century AD. He pointed that most of its people are traders. It also served as a port for horses, fish oil and
frankincense export to India.

It was observed that the city also produced silk and cotton textiles and that it had trade relations with east African countries.