1624-1718: Ya-ruba dynasty rules Oman. Portuguese expelled from Oman in 1630.Omani fleet captures Portuguese colonies in East Africa, India and Persia. Building of forts in Nizwa, Jabrin, Rustaq and Hazm. 1718-1747: Civil war between Ghafiri and Hinawi tribes following disagreements on succession of lmam. Persia called in to assist and occupies parts of Oman. 1747: Ahmad bin Said drives the Persians from Oman and is elected first Imam of the Al Bu Said dynasty . 1804-1856: Reign of Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Bu Said. Golden era of prosperity and expansion for Oman. Seat of government transferred from Muscat to Zanzibar. On the death of Sayyid Said, Oman and Zanzibar are divided into separate sultanates. 1868-1920: Steady decline of Oman as a maritime power due to opening of the Suez Canal and coming of steam shipping. Period of discord between the Sultan ruling the coastal areas and the Imam controlling the Interior. 1920: Agreement at Seeb between Sultan and Imam on respective spheres of control. 1952-1935: Buraimi conflict among Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Oman. 1954-1959: Imamate conflict under Ghalib bin Ah, also referred to as the Jebel War. 1965-1975: Communist-led rebellion in Dhofar. 1967: First commercial oil produced in Oman. 1970: Accession of HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said as eighth ruler from the Al Bu Said dynasty. 1970-today: Oman's Renaissance. Three decades of large-scale developments in infrastructure, health, education, communication, agriculture, fishing, mining, etc. Oman transformed from an almost medieval country into a modern fully equipped state, taking its rightful place among its neighbours and the rest of the world.