Citadel of Amman: The Crown of Ancient Amman

Explore the timeless splendor of the Amman Citadel, where history unfolds across millennia atop the city’s highest hill.

The Citadel of Amman

Step into the past at the Amman Citadel, where Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad legacies converge in one breathtaking location.

Amman Citadel Jordan

From towering temples to ancient palaces, the Citadel of Amman stands as a powerful symbol of Jordan’s rich cultural heritage.

The Citadel of Amman is a good place to begin a tour of the archaeological sites of the city. It is the site of ancient Rabbath-Ammon and excavations there have revealed numerous Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic remains. Located on a hill, it not only gives visitors a perspective of the city’s incredible history but also provides stunning views of the entire area. Among the most wonderful places you can visit while in Amman, there are some places of specific interest at the Amman Citadel include:

1- The Temple of Hercules, built during the reign of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180 AD).
2- The Byzantine Church, believed to date from the 6th or 7th century AD. Corinthian columns mark the site.
3-The Umayyad Palace complex, dating from 720-750 AD. The great monumental gateway with its cruciform shape and four vaulted niches leads to a courtyard and colonnaded street, which runs through the complex with ruined buildings on either side.

“The Temple of Hercules: Amman’s Ancient Marvel”

Discover the grandeur of the Temple of Hercules, an awe-inspiring remnant of Roman architecture at the Amman Citadel, where colossal pillars and ancient ruins tell stories of myth and history.

Temple of Hercules

161-166 AD
This great temple was dedicated to a supreme Roman deity. It has been attributed to Hercules due to the discovery of gigantic fragments of a marble statue. Hercules was the son of Zeus and a mortal woman (Alcemene) and was known for his supernatural physical strength. Also, Hercules is depicted on Roman coins minted in the city, which was called Philadelphia at the time.

The temple stands within an immense temenos (sacred precinct) that is surrounded by porticos. It was positioned on a large purpose-built stone podium and was meant to be seen from the lower city. It is thought that it was built on top of an earlier temple associated with the Ammonite god Milkom.

According to an inscription that was at the top of its facade, the temple of Hercules was built when Geminius Marcianos was governor of Provincia Arabia in dedication to the co-emperors of Rome, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus.

Corinthian capitals supporting a dedicatory inscription, according to which the temple was built when Geminius Marcianos was governor of Provincia Arabia (161 -166 AD) in dedication to the co-emperors of Rome, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus.

“The Byzantine Church: A Glimpse into Amman’s Christian Heritage”

Explore the ancient ruins of the Byzantine Church at the Amman Citadel, where the remnants of this early Christian site offer a fascinating window into the religious and architectural legacy of the Byzantine Empire.

Dating back to approximately 550 AD, this 6th-century Byzantine church is a prime example of early Christian architectural design. Built in a basilical layout, the church features a central nave flanked by two side aisles, a typical structure of religious buildings from this period. At the eastern end, a semi-circular apse is separated from the rest of the church by a chancel screen, marking the sacred space for liturgical ceremonies.

One of the unique aspects of this church is the use of Corinthian capitals, adorned with intricate acanthus leaves, which were repurposed from the nearby Temple of Hercules, showcasing a blend of architectural heritage. The church’s aisles are paved with flagstones, adding to its historical character.

The structure also includes rectangular rooms at the ends of the aisles, some of which were possibly added during the Umayyad period in the 7th century, indicating continuous use and modification over time. The central nave once featured a stunning mosaic floor, a hallmark of Byzantine craftsmanship. Although now covered for preservation, this mosaic represents the artistic and religious significance of the site during the Byzantine era.

This church is not just a religious monument but also a bridge between the Byzantine and early Islamic periods, reflecting the historical transitions that shaped the region.

“The Umayyad Palace Complex: A Jewel of Early Islamic Architecture”

Step into the grandeur of the Umayyad Palace Complex at the Amman Citadel, an exquisite example of early Islamic architecture. This 8th-century palace features a grand domed audience hall, courtyards, and residential quarters, reflecting the opulence and administrative power of the Umayyad dynasty.

Umayyad Palace: Circa 730 AD
The Umayyad Palace, built around 730 AD, was part of a thriving city within the Citadel, primarily housing government officials and those involved in administrative duties. Numerous residential units have been excavated at the site, offering a glimpse into the daily lives and functions of this important political center during the Umayyad period. These structures reflect the palace’s significance as a hub of governance and influence within early Islamic society.

Umayyad Courtyard
Umayyad Monumental Gateway

Umayyad Mosque
Ca. 730 AD
Located at the highest point of the Citadel, the mosque lies to the south of the Umayyad palace. It sits on a raised platform with seven rows of six columns around a central courtyard. An unusual feature is the evidence of vaulted roofs, which appear to have covered the intersecting arcades.
In the center of the qiblah wall is a concave niche (the Mihrab) within a rectangular frame which projects beyond the south wall.

Umayyad Courtyard
Courtyard in front of the Umayyad Palace, with the domed Monumental Gateway (center) and Bath House (right)

Umayyad Monumental Gateway
Ca 730 AD
This prominent monumental gateway was the formal entrance to the Umayyad palace. Visitors would be screened here and then wait to be announced to the governor before entering his palace beyond.

Inside, the monumental hall has a crucifix plan with a square central area and four recesses extending outwards from it. The arms of the cross are barrel-vaulted at the north and south ends, and covered with semi-domes at the east and west sides. Windowsills on the upper part of the central area indicate that it was roofed, probably with a wooden dome, like the one which was constructed towards the end of the last decade of the 20th century.

Dome of the Monumental Gateway
Windowsills on the upper part of the central area indicate that the hall was roofed, probably with a wooden dome, like the one which was constructed towards the end of the last decade of the 20th century.

Bronze Age Cave, Ammonite Palace, Colonnaded Street, Audience Hall and Throne Chamber and Cistern

Other Archaeological highlights

Colonnaded Street (730 AD)

The Colonnaded Street, constructed in 730 AD, was a vital thoroughfare within the palace complex, linking the grand Entrance Hall to several key areas of the palace. Flanked by an impressive series of columns on either side, the street reflected the architectural grandeur of the time. Entry to the street was likely restricted, with gates positioned at each end to regulate who could pass through, ensuring the security and exclusivity of the area. Along its length, discreet side passages branched off, leading to the private residential units of the palace, adding an element of intrigue to its functional design.

A notable feature of the Colonnaded Street is the partly-covered drain that runs diagonally near its center. This drain was an integral part of the advanced subterranean water system developed by the Umayyads, which ensured a consistent water supply throughout the site. The clever engineering behind this system highlights the ingenuity of the period, showcasing how the rulers managed not only to create a majestic palace but also to sustain its operations through sophisticated infrastructure.

Colonnaded Street

Audience Hall and Throne Chamber (ca. 730 AD)

The Audience Hall, also known as the “Iwan,” dates back to around 730 AD and was an impressive open-fronted structure crowned by a magnificent barrel-vaulted roof. This space served as a grand reception area, where the ruler would meet and address guests. Behind the Iwan lies the cruciform-shaped Throne Chamber, believed to have once been covered by a striking dome and adorned with a floor of intricate polychrome mosaics. The vibrant colors and patterns of the mosaics would have added a rich, opulent touch, befitting the status of this important ceremonial room.

The Throne Chamber’s design is both functional and elegant, featuring three recesses that house doors leading to adjacent side rooms. These rooms were likely used for various private or administrative purposes. The northern arm of the chamber opens directly onto a courtyard, seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor spaces. This architectural layout not only reflects the grandeur of Umayyad design but also reveals a thoughtful approach to both practicality and aesthetics.

Audience Hall and Throne Chamber

Bronze Age cave Ca 2.250 BC
The cave houses a series of rock-cut tombs, that were modified for communal burial during the Middle Bronze Age.
This cave was cleared and re-used during the Umayyad period by stonecutters who were preparing the stones for the new buildings.

Bronze Age cave

Ammonite Palace 800 BC
These remains provide the most extensive evidence of the Ammonite occupation at the Citadel. The building, often called the Palace of the Ammonite Kings, has substantial walls that surround a plastered courtyard.
Located on the lower terrace, southeast of the ticket office.

Ammonite Palace

Umayyad Cistern Ca. 730 AD
This uncovered cistern, measures 17.5 meters in diameter and its stone walls are up to 2.5 meters thick. The interior surface was covered with a waterproof layer of plaster. The sloped floor collected unwanted silt at the bottom.
Up to 1370 cubic meters of water could be collected in the cistern. It was diverted there from the roofs of surrounding buildings and from paved surfaces through channels feeding into the north and west sides of the cistern. The cistern supplied water to the baths, latrines and other areas of the settlement.

Umayyad Cistern
Attractions in /next to Amman

Visit while in Amman

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  • Rujm AlMalfouf (north)

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Citadel of Amma - Amman Citadel Jordan
Amman Citadel Jordan: A Timeless Landmark of Jordan’s Heritage

A historic hilltop site, offers a glimpse into Jordan’s ancient past with its Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad ruins, and panoramic views of the capital.

Amman Citadel stands as a testament to Jordan’s deep historical roots and the diverse civilizations that have shaped its cultural landscape. Its enduring structures, from the Roman to the Umayyad period, offer a window into the architectural and societal advancements of the past. As a well-preserved archaeological treasure, the Citadel not only captivates visitors with its historical significance but also with its panoramic views of modern-day Amman, seamlessly blending the ancient with the contemporary. This remarkable site continues to be a symbol of Jordan’s rich heritage, inviting exploration and admiration from all who visit.

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