Amman

Amman is an ancient city with a rich history, which dates back to the Stone Age. The Citadel Hill located in Amman boasts of one of the largest Neolithic settlements (c.6500 BC) ever discovered in the Middle East.

Known as Rabbath-Ammon during the Iron Age, Amman was the capital of the Ammonites, who have also been referred to in the Bible. King David of Israel killed Uriah the Hittite, in this city. The fortress towers that were erected for the protection against King David's attack can still be seen here.

King David's forces dethroned the Ammonites and ruled the place during the 9th and 8th centuries BC. Thereafter, the area was ruled by the Assyrians, Babylonians and Persians for several hundred years. The city was renamed 'Philadelphia' after its Ptolemaic ruler, Philadelphus in the 4th century BC. 

Until 63 BC, the city was ruled by Seleucid and Nabataean. The city then came under the Roman rule, which annexed Syria and made Philadelphia a part of the Decapolis League.

The city was rebuilt by the Romans in their characteristic architectural style. Colonnaded streets, baths, a theatre and impressive public buildings belonging to the Roman era can still be seen here.

Hence, Philadelphia became the core of the new Roman province of Arabia. Additionally, it also became a trading hub between the Mediterranean and an interior link that stretched to India and China. 

The city was the seat of a Christian Bishop during the Byzantine period. Since this era saw the dawn of Christianity in the Eastern Roman Empire, two churches were constructed in the city.

However, Islam had started to spread its wings in the city in the early 7th century. The city had embraced Islam as its official religion by 635 AD. At this time, the city rechristened itself with its original Semitic name of Ammon, which is today known as Amman.

Amman has seen the rise and fall of numerous political powers. Under the rule of the Mameluks of Egypt, Amman's importance was overtaken. This was also due to the rise of Karak in the south during the Crusades. Under the Ottoman Empire, the city became a small backwater. By 1806, the city was largely uninhabited, except for the Bedouins.  

After the downfall of the Ottomans, Circassian and other persecuted Muslims from the Caucasus entered the city. These inhabitants established a settlement on the east bank of the Jordan River.

Owing to their settlement in Amman, commerce began to flourish. The city widely flourished after the construction of the Hejaz Railway in 1902. Trade flourished and Amman again became populated.

Amman flourished and expanded to become the present day modern, lively and commercial metropolis. However, one can still find the ancient remains in the city, which spell the historical importance of this place. Amman boasts of numerous archaeological sites, museums, art galleries, cultural centres and theatres.