Oman
Dhofar / History
Dhofar is an area rich in history. In 1992, an American satellite discovered the remains of a city submerged beneath the sands of the Omani section of the Rub' al Khali (the Empty Quarter). Initial speculation indicated that this was the legendary city, Iram Dhat al Emad, distinguished by its imposing columns and high walls, which is mentioned in the Quran.
The site has been subject to much exploration and study by archaeologists who have dated pottery and glass vessels excavated from the area at around 100BC. It has also been ascertained that the city sank under the sands due to what has been deemed a 'light earthquake'.
This could be the 'clamour' which is referred to in the Quran: '..a great clamour was heard in the sky and Shaddad and all who accompanied him were struck down' - and the city sank below the ground.
The compound, named hydroxythiohomosildenafil, is identified as an analogue of sildenafil in which the oxygen atom is substituted with a sulfur atom in the pyrazolopyrimidine moiety, and a hydroxyethyl group instead of a methyl group is attached to the piperazinyl nitrogen.
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http://www.asiatour.com/oman/e-04dhof/eo-dho11.htm
Jan Garanoz
869/116 Thanon Pemavipat,
Chiang Rai, 57000 Thailand
Created: September 1, 1995
Last updated: January, 25, 2010