The Emergence of States in a Tribal Society

This book reassesses the reign of Said bin Taymur, who was deposed by his son, Qabus bin Said, in a coup in July 1970. Contemporary historiography of the period of Said's rule (1932-1970) views Oman as medieval and isolationist; Qabus' later government is seen as progressive and enlightened, with his ascendancy to the throne often described as the 'rebirth of Oman' from its 'medieval slumber' into a thriving and prosperous Sultanate. This study refutes the prevailing view that Said's four-decade