The Fascinating Discovery of Ubar: An Ancient City Lost in Time

For centuries, the legend of Ubar, also known as Shisr or Wubar, has captured the imagination of explorers and scholars alike. This ancient city, hidden deep within the deserts of Oman, was believed to be nothing more than a myth - a mythical place lost in the sands of time. But one man's determination and curiosity would change everything.

Michael Clapp, a 61-year-old Rhode Island native, is no expert in archaeology or history. In fact, he admits that he doesn't even know how to use the internet! Yet, it was his passion for discovery that drove him to spend years researching dusty old maps and biographical accounts in German, French, and Arabic. Clapp's quest was to uncover the truth behind Ubar - a city believed by many to be nothing more than a myth.

Clapp's journey took him across the desert terrain in loaded-down Land Rovers, tracing ancient caravan routes to several dead-ends. He consulted with scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, who contributed their satellite imaging technology to help locate the lost city. Along the way, Clapp and his team braved exhausting heat, poisonous snakes, and sometimes hostile desert denizens.

The discovery was even more compelling because it wasn't spearheaded by any university or lauded archaeologist, but by an amateur with a keen sense of curiosity and determination. In 1994, Clapp's assembled archaeological team produced what Time magazine called one of the three major scientific events of that year - the finding of the ruins of Ubar, buried deep within a mammoth sinkhole near the center of a Bedouin trading center.

The discovery was nothing short of astonishing. The team excavated artifacts dating back 4,000 years or more, which provided conclusive evidence that Ubar did indeed exist. Clapp's book, 'The Road to Ubar: Finding the Atlantis of the Sands,' tells the story of his journey and has been praised for its compelling narrative.

Today, Michael Clapp is celebrated as a pioneer in archaeology, and his discovery continues to captivate the imagination of people around the world. His remarkable story serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome with determination, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks.

Ubar ancient city