Amman is the city capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Its origins are dated back to the Neolithic age (about 6500 BC) as proved by the archaeological finds in the area.
Amman, like Rome, lays on seven hills that here are called "Jabal".
Amman has seen the rising and the falling of many civilizations. In the 3rd century BC its name was Rabath Ammon; then was dominated by the Assyrians followed by the Persians. The Greeks crossed the Aegean sea and subdued the Jordanians and called the city "Philadelphia". During the 1st century BC, Philadelphia was subdued by the Romans and became part of "Decapolis", an alliance of 10 cities. In 324 AD, the Christian faith became the religion of the Roman Empire and Philadelphia was nominated as residence of the bishop. It was the beginning of the Byzantine age.
The name "Amman" arrives during the "Ghasanaian era.
This city has been destroyed by natural events like earthquake.
In 1887 Amman was elected as the city capital of the Circassian Kingdom. 2 March 1921: the Prince Abdullah nominates Amman capital of the Hashemite Kingdom.
And after this brief history of this city, we can start our tour.
Moving around Amman is easy. Just take a taxi, they are cheap and most of the drivers speak English.
We can start visiting the "golden souk" or gold market: a complex of alleys with hundreds of small shops selling gold and silver jewels, precious and semiprecious stones. I suggest to buy bracelets and pins, either in gold or silver, made with the filigree technique. And why not visiting the local markets where daily the Jordanian housewives buy fruits and vegetables coming from the Jordan river valley.
But, of course, we can't forget history and archaeology.
ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE
It is the biggest in the Middle-East. Probably has been built during the Trajan empire (2nd century AD). It has been excavated directly in the rock in a manner that all seats are in the shade during the whole day. The acoustics is perfect. If you visit Amman during spring or fall you might have the chance to attend to music concerts, opera or drama held in this amphitheatre.
AL-QALAH CASTLE
Is located on a esplanade (900 x 400 meter) at an elevation over the city of 137 meters. The castle is surrounded by walls built on a previous construction dated back to the Greek domination. In the south part of the castle you can still see the ruins of the temple consecrated to Hercules.
Finally we visit one of the restaurant offering the true local cuisine: hummus (chick peas mash seasoned with sesame oil), tabulé (parsley, tomatoes, cucumbers, mint and a special wheat; all thinly chopped and seasoned with sesame oil and lemon juice), dolma (grape leaf filled with boiled rice, minced meat and spices), shish kebab (skewer of chicken or lamb grilled meat), baklahuah (a sweet made with hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, sugar and honey), fresh pickled dates. And finally a Bedouin coffee: a reboiled and filtered Turkish coffee with addition of cardamom and some secret spices).
This is the Amman I visited over than hundred times. I know that during the last two years there have been a lot of changes but I hope that the atmosphere is unchanged.
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