Title

Space technology and the discovery of the lost city of Ubar

Abstract

The location of the legendary city of Ubar, a desert caravansary which supported the ancient and lucrative frankincense trade, has likely been found at the edge of the Arabian Peninsula's Empty Quarter in modern day Oman. Legend was that Ubar perished in a sandstorm as divine punishment for wicked living. Actually, much of the fortress collapsed into a sinkhole, perhaps undermined by extensive ground water withdrawal used to irrigate the surrounding oasis. The archaeological site was located by an unusual combination of historical research and the application of space technology in support of traditional archaeology.

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-1997

Journal Title

IEEE Aerospace Applications Conference Proceedings

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