Main content

Incense and Ideas

Bettany Hughes explores the wonders of Oman. In this second episode, she looks at frankincense from Oman, regarded as the finest in the world.

Bettany Hughes explores the wonders of Oman; a land wedged between the vast Arabian Desert and the Indian Ocean. Frankincense from Oman is regarded as the finest in the world, and two thousand years ago it was one of the most sought-after products on the planet. Tribal families, keeping the tradition of tending the trees going today, show Bettany how the precious substance is harvested. And Bettany meets archaeologists uncovering what was once the world capital of the frankincense trade. Bettany boards a dhow, the iconic trading vessel of the Western Indian Ocean and travels to the wild landscape of the Musandam Peninsula, a place with its own unique language.

23 minutes

Last on

Wed 15 Mar 2023 08:30GMT

Broadcasts