The Virtual Museum of Salut, due to an idea of Alessandra Avanzini, is going to become an easy and intuitive tool for the creation of a broader interest in the history and archaeology of ancient Oman.
It represents only a first phase of a wider project, focusing on the major archaeological sites of Oman. The next phase will concern the site of Khor Rori (ancient Sumhuram, 3rd century BC – 5th century AD), one of the most important ports involved in the Indian Ocean trade.
From 2004 the Office of the Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan for Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the Italian Mission to Oman (IMTO) of the University of Pisa and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working at the site.
Salut represents the key site in the Omani tradition for the legends focused on it and for its ancient history dating back 5000 years .
The Museum illustrates the site and the exploitation of its territory over a vast time span extending from the Bronze and Iron Ages to the Medieval period, through displays of the archaeological evidence and artefacts discovered at the site itself and in neighbouring countries, with the aim of discussing the different cultural horizons of ancient Oman through the ages.
A short film introduces us to the heart of Oman and its rich culture, with its ancient seafaring traditions and its equally ancient and intimate knowledge of the desert.
The catalogue In the heart of Oman. The castle of Salut provides insights about different subjects: «L'Erma» di Bretschneider, Rome - Italy (http://www.lerma.it).