Amman Jordan Travel Guide: Citadel, Roman Amphitheater & Hercules Temple

Discovering Amman's Rich History

• 💡 Amman, the capital of Jordan, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back 7000 years.
• 🌍 Jordan's history includes periods under Bedouins, Nabataeans, Romans, Byzantines, Arabic, and Ottoman empires, eventually becoming the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1946.
• 👑 The current ruling Hashemite family are considered direct descendants of Prophet Muhammad.

Exploring Ancient Roman & Islamic Sites

• 🏛️ The Roman Amphitheater, built during the Roman era (when Amman was called Philadelphia), could seat 6000 people and is still used for events today.
• 🏰 Amman Citadel, a 7000-year-old fortress, served as a military defense point, offering 360-degree views of the city.
• 🗿 Within the Citadel, the Hercules Temple was constructed by Romans to symbolize power, with only a massive hand remaining from the original statue.
• 🕌 The Umayyad Palace and a Byzantine Church are also significant historical ruins found on the Citadel.

Navigating the White City

• 🏙️ Amman is known as the "White City" due to its buildings constructed from white sandstone, and it is built across seven hills, making its layout complex.
• 🚗 For transportation, Genie is the cheapest taxi app, while public buses require an Amman Bus card for 0.5 JOD per ride.
• ⚠️ The city faces water scarcity, with rules encouraging short showers to conserve resources.

Local Culture and Cuisine

• 🍲 Mansaf, Jordan's national dish, features chicken or lamb with rice and a unique curry, while falafel, hummus, and shawarma are also popular.
• 🍬 Downtown Amman hosts vibrant markets, including a historical sugar market and various spice, fruit, and nut vendors.
• 🙏 Despite being an Islamic country, Amman displays a Christmas tree in Paris Square, reflecting respect for its Christian minority.

Safety and Travel Tips

• ✅ Jordan is considered one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the Middle East, with Amman being a very safe city even at night.
• 🗑️ While generally safe, the speaker noted issues with littering in certain areas of the city.
• 🏨 Accommodation options include hostels like Bututa and Darna, or Airbnbs, with some areas offering more peaceful stays than the chaotic downtown.