Buzz
If you've never ventured into the heart of the Middle East, Amman welcomes you with open arms. It's not just a melting pot of great civilizations but also a bustling modern city that seamlessly blends the East and the West. While Amman has embraced Western influences, it still retains the exquisite charm of the Middle East, brimming with delicious cuisine and incredibly hospitable locals. What sets Amman apart is its perch upon seven hills, where all houses are painted in harmonious hues, creating a captivating vista when viewed from above.
Archaeological evidence suggests that human presence in Amman dates back to the 13th century BCE, when the city was known as Rabbat Ammon. Over the centuries, Amman was conquered by the Assyrians, followed by the Persians, Greeks, and later, it became a significant Islamic settlement in the 7th century. Amman thrived as a crucial stop along the trade routes of the Middle East and continued to prosper through the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties. In the late 19th century, the Ottoman Empire transformed Amman into a central transit hub, connecting Damascus and Medina, serving both commercial and pilgrimage purposes to the holy city of Mecca.
Under the visionary leadership of King Abdullah II, Amman has emerged as one of the fastest-growing cities in the Middle East. In 2010, economists hailed Amman as the fourth most expensive city in the Arab world, trailing only behind Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Beirut.
Amman nowadays is a captivating tourist destination as the city blends the unique mixture of old and new. You can witness modern skyscrapers standing alongside ancient architectural marvels dating back thousands of years, harmoniously coexisting.
Attractions in Amman
Amman Citadel Citadel is a cluster of architectural structures built from the 2nd to the 8th century BC. Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of various cultures here such as Persian, Greek, Byzantine, and Islamic, but today only traces of Greek and Byzantine civilizations remain. These include the Temple of Hercules, Byzantine church, and Umayyad Palace. The Temple of Hercules was erected during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius from 161-180 AD to honor the mythical figure Hercules from Greek mythology. The temple now stands with only two columns, bearing the hallmark of ancient Roman architecture visible from anywhere in the city. In front of the temple lies a finely crafted white stone hand, showcasing the master craftsmanship of that era.
The Temple of Hercules was erected during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius from 161-180 AD Byzantine Church
The Byzantine Cathedral was constructed around the 6th or 7th century during the Byzantine Empire's expansion into this region. Today, the cathedral lies mostly in ruins, with only towering Corinthian columns remaining, showcasing the essence of Roman architecture. The Umayyad Palace stands out prominently within the Citadel, built in the early 7th century with typical Islamic architecture, featuring an open courtyard for gatherings, a water reservoir, and a main hall. The palace's vaulted ceiling remains nearly intact, restored with wooden beams. Adjacent to the palace is the Jordan Archaeological Museum, housing hundreds of ancient statues and artifacts, including pottery, glassware, flint, and metal tools arranged chronologically.
The Umayyad Palace, also known as Al-Qaser, dates back to the 8th century and is renowned as the best-preserved and most magnificent site within the ancient citadel of Amman. Most of the materials used to construct the fortress are limestone and basalt. In the dim, mystical light of the castle, vivid wall paintings depict the daily life of 8th-century inhabitants, some even believed to be drawn by the hand of the king himself, adding a unique touch to his own palace.
Jerash, concealed under layers of time's sand for centuries, once stood as a grand ancient city, a testament to the golden age of Alexander the Great, emperors Trajan and Hadrian, and mathematician Nichomachus. In 63 BCE, the Romans took control of the city, transforming it into a Roman province in the region of Syria. By the first century CE, Jerash flourished with prosperity and grandeur, boasting structures like a hippodrome, a theater accommodating up to 4000 people, and temples dedicated to Zeus and Artemis. In 106 CE, Roman Emperor Trajan initiated the construction of roads to connect and enhance trade between Jerash and neighboring cities.
Jerash was devastated by an earthquake in 749, often likened to another great Roman city: Pompeii – whose ruins were rediscovered by German explorer Ulrich Jasper Seetzen in 1806. Today, it stands as one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East.
Hadrian's Gate: Before entering the heart of Jerash, you'll pass through the grand gate erected to commemorate Emperor Hadrian's visit in 129 AD.
Sanctuary of Zeus: The ruins of the current temple date back to 162-166 AD, but excavations here have unearthed many other artifacts from the Greek era.
Oval-shaped Public Plaza: This is where community gatherings took place. It's the only oval plaza in an ancient city and remains preserved to this day.
Best Time to Visit Amman
It's recommended to visit Amman during the months of April, May, and from September to November.
Posted by: Hong Thao Nguyen Thi
Keywords: Amman Travel Experience (2023)
