Archaeologists in the Dhofar region of Oman have identified a series of u-shaped stone altars that pre-date the Islamic era. These sites were used for the burning of high-grade frankincense during the 'Festival of the Winter Star,' a nomadic gathering where tribes met to trade and perform astronomical observations.
The team found charred resins and star-aligned stone markers, suggesting that these festivals were as much about celestial navigation as they were about religious devotion. This find highlights the enduring legacy of scent in the cultural heritage of the Arabian Peninsula.