ABSTRACT
This chapter builds a bridge between historical and modern Oman, describes the people and their landscapes, and the country's indigenous arts and crafts. The known history of ancient Oman is somewhat sketchy. Certainly many fascinating references occur in various reports and sagas, chiefly from the time of the Portuguese occupation when the subject matter is bloodthirsty in the extreme. The prehistory of Oman was virtually unknown until interest became aroused among amateur historians and archaeologists resident in the country with the formation of the Oman Historical Society in 1971. One particular field, peculiar to Oman which proved of great interest to both amateurs and professionals alike is so-called 'rock art'. The dominant feature of Oman has always been its tribal structure coupled with its geographical isolation. Sultan Qaboos bin Said could be said to be the first ruler of Oman who looked outside his own country and extended its prestige outside its normal sphere of influence.
