Ancient Sumerian and Mesopotamian records referred to the area as Magan
Metals, especially copper were known to be mined and exported from the area and had be for millenia
Maritime trade with Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley and Persia
Inhabited by sea faring Arab tribes
Persian Empires intermittently controlled and influenced the region
Coastal settlements functioned as trading posts

Oman peacefully adopted Islan during the Prophet Muhammed’s lifetime in the 7th century
Ibadi Islam became dominant and shaped Oman’s identity
The Imamate system developed in the region, and elected religious leaders governed parts of Oman
Omanis were known to be skilled sailors and were merchants across the Indian Ocean
Trade links connected Oman with East Africa, Persia, India and Southeast Asia
Remained largely independent from other major Islamic empires. The region went through periods of unity and divisions over these years

The Portuguese captured Muscat and other key coastal ports to control Indian Ocean trade in 1507
Fortifications were built along the coast

Local resistances were persistent and the Portuguese were expelled by the Ya’aruba Dynasty in 1650.
The Omans controlled trade routes across the Indian Ocean, East Africa and the Persian Gulf.
Zanzibar became a key centre of Omani influence and Oman rivalled European powers in market and naval strength

Oman became an ally with the British to counter regional rivals and piracy.
Overseas territories were lost over time and the Empire weakened

Sultan Said bin Taimur ruled Oman as an isolated conservative state.
Their was little development and strict traditionalism.
The UK, Iran and Jordan helped supress the Dhofur Rebellion in the 60s

Sultan Qaboos bin Said overthrew his father in a peaceful coup, before rapidly modernising the country.
Infrastructure, education and healthcare expanded.
The area continues to grow economically.