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Oman is a land of stunning scenery, beautiful landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.
Part of this rich cultural heritage includes petroglyphs, ancient images created by removing part of the rock surface to expose a lighter layer beneath, making them different to pictographs which are paintings on the surface of the rock, although both types are often referred to as rock art.
Oman is home to a number of rock art locations. The arid and rocky terrain, acted as a natural canvas on which to create petroglyphs.
Petroglyphs an be found all over Oman, from remote wadis and caves, to the walls of old forts and palaces.
Dating back over 5000 years, to the Bronze Age, the petroglyphs were created by nomadic tribes who roamed Oman. Interestingly, there are also a few examples which are only a few hundred years old.
Petroglyphs in Oman regularly depict scenes from daily life; such as animals, people, and hunting scenes. The older petroglyphs provide insights into the traditions, beliefs, and rituals of ancient people.
Know Before You Go
The example shown here is known as Horses Rock and is easily accessible as it now sits at the base of a walking trail. A short walk along the road is a further example of ancient petrogylphs.
There are also newer versions in a number of forts across the country, where soldiers guarding the palace would carve images in the guard towers, such as those at nearby Bahla Fort.
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Published
November 22, 2025
