Hamran Fort, Dhofar

© Ross Hayden. Hamran Fort during khareef

Hamran (Hamroun) Fort is situated on the top of a small hill about 20 km east of Salalah, and 7 km from the shores of the Arabian Sea, in the foothills of the Dhofar Mountains.In 1993 the fort was excavated by an American archaeological team led by Dr Yuris Zarins.

© Ross Hayden. Hamran Fort during khareef

They believe that this fort dates to the same period as the fortified cities of Shisr and Samharum (about 2000 years old). Additionally, the three sites - Hamran, Shisr and Samharum - are believed to have been actively involved in the export of the frankincense.

Hamran Fort is very similar in design to the fort at Shisr (on the edge of the Empty Quarter). While Shisr's fort has largely disappeared into the spring under it, this fort at Hamran has the advantage of being structurally intact. The inner fort is about 20 metres square, with several rooms in what originally would have been a three storey structure.

© Ross Hayden. Flight of stairs, Hamran Fort

A complete flight of stairs leading to the top storey still remains intact. The inner fort has an area of about 100 metres square surrounding it, all of which is enclosed by a defensive wall.

© Ross Hayden. Pre-Islamic grave near Hamran Fort taken during khareef

Looking south from the fort are several areas of graves probably used by the inhabitants of Hamran Fort.

About a kilometre to the north of the fort is a spring – Ain Hamran – as well as fields and houses used by the present local inhabitants. As well as the main fort there are ruins of some small towers which were once used by farmers to watch their land and animals.