Jordan's capital city, Amman is a place that visitors would not soon forget. Its greatest charm is found in the hospitality of its residents, you are welcomed with genuine warmth and continually greeted with the phrase, "Welcome to Jordan".

Amman is built on seven hills or (jabals) each of which more or less defines a neighbourhood. Most jabals once had traffic circles, although most have now been replaced with traffic lights. The geography of Amman is often described in reference to the eight circles which form the spine of the city.
The First circle is located near the Downtown area then the series extends in a westward direction to the Eighth circle. It is a mixture of both modern and ancient times and very enchanting. The honking horns of traffic always give way to the beautiful call to prayer, which echoes out from above the stately minarets that grace this city. Its gleaming white houses, kebab stalls, café's all interspersed with the many bustling markets, known as (souqs) in Arabic. It is the remains of civilization and ages long since past. The best time to enjoy this beautiful city is at Sunset, as the white buildings both near and afar seems to glow in the fading warmth of the day.
History of Amman.
Amman is one of the oldest and continuously inhabited cities in the world today. In 1994 an excavation was undertaken uncovering homes and towers which are believed to have been built during the Stone Age, (c.7000 BCE). Many Biblical references can be made to this city, in (1200 BCE) it had become the Ammonite capital of Rabbath-Ammon. The Ammonites had fought numerous wars with Saul, David and others. Between the end of Amman's history of biblical references around (585 BCE) and at the time of Ptolemy's reign is unclear. It is known that the city was renamed "Philadelphia" in the (3rd century BCE) after Ptolemaic ruler "Philadelphus".

Philadelphia was taken by the Roman vassal King Herod in (30 BCE), after coming under Seleucid and Nabatean ruler ship. It became part of the Decapolis League which was a loose Alliance of 10 Roman ruled cities. These included Arbila known as Irbid, Gadara also known as (Umm Qais), Jerash, Pella and others. Whilst under Roman rule, Philadelphia went into replanning and was reconstructed in typical Roman style grandeur. The city had colonnaded streets, an amphitheatre, baths and very impressive public buildings. Then during the Byzantine period, Philadelphia became the seat of a Christian Bishop and several expansive churches were built. During the late Byzantine years the city began to somewhat decline, it became over-run by Persian Sassanians in (614 CE). However, their rule was short lived and collapsed before the Arabian armies of Islam came around in the year (635).

Then the name of the city reverted to its Semitic origin of "Ammon" or Amman. For a short time the city remained an important stop on the caravan routes for many years, but eventually the pattern of trade shifted and the lifeblood of Amman soon dried up. For many centuries the city declined to no more than a little provincial village. In the late 19th Century, Amman's Modern History began when the Ottomans resettled a colony of Circassian emigrants here in 1878. Today many of their descendants still reside here in Amman.
During that period and the earlier decades of the 20th century, the neighboring city of Salt was an important Regional Administrative and Political Centre. However, after the Great Arab Revolt secured the state of Trans-Jordan the Emir Abdullah bin al-Hussein made Amman his capital in 1921. Since this time period the city had grown in leaps and bounds into a modern thriving Metropolis of well over one million people. The growth of Amman has been driven largely due to political events in the region, especially by the Arab-Israeli conflict. After the wars of (1948) and (1967) there were successive waves of Palestinian refugees which flooded into Amman. Moreover, another wave of immigrants expanded the population further due to the Iraq and Kuwait war (1990-91) Gulf Crisis.
Interesting Places.

The most noteworthy historical sites of Amman are clustered within the Downtown area. They are situated at the bottom of four of Amman's seven hills or (jabals). A good place to begin your tour would be at the ancient Citadel, which towers above the city atop (Jabal al-Qalaá). The Citadel is the site of ancient (Rabboth-Ammon). The excavations here have revealed numerous Byzantine, Islamic and Roman remains. The main and one of the most outstanding buildings of the Citadel is The Palace or (al-Qasr), it dates back to the Islamic Umayyad period. It has an audience hall, a monumental gateway and has four vaulted chambers, the exact function and use of this building is still unclear. It also features a colonnaded street which runs through the complex. There are ruins to the North and North-East of the Umayyad Palace grounds.
Nearby (al-Qasr) there are the ruins of a small Basillica from the Byzantine period. The church site is marked by Corinthian columns dated (6th -7th century CE). Approximately (100 metres), South of the Church site is the Great Temple of Amman, thought to have once been the Temple of Hercules. This Temple was built during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180 CE). The Jordan Archeological Museum is just North-West of the Temple of Hercules. This Museum has an excellent collection of antiquities for you to see. It is small and the exhibits on display range from Pre-Historic times up to the 15th Century. The exhibits on display: The Dead Sea Scrolls, a copy of the (Mesha Stele) and four very rare (Iron Age) Sarcophagi.

• Museum hours: (8.30am-5pm) Daily.
• (9.00am-4pm) Fridays and Official Public holidays.

Downhill from the Citadel and just five minutes walk East from Downtown is the Roman Theater it is very hard to miss. This is the most impressive relic of ancient Philadelphia, you would certainly enjoy the walking, exploring and sitting taking in the sights from this location. The Roman Theatre was built during the reign of Antonius Pius (138-161 CE). It is cut into the Northern side of a hill, which at one point served as a (Necropolis) or Graveyard. Its design is similar to the Amphitheatre in Jerash, and it can accommodate 6000 spectators. This Theatre is still used periodically for both Cultural and Sporting Events.There are two small Museums built into the Theater.
The Jordan Folklore Museum

is located in the Right wing of the Theater. It features the "Traditional way of Life," of the local People and showcases a collection of several various items for you to see. At the opposite end of the Theatre stage, is the Museum of Popular Traditions which showcases "Traditional "Jordanian costumes", including the fine embroidery and the most exquisite antique jewellery. There you will also find several 6th Century Mosaics from Jerash and Madaba.

Opening Hours:

• The Jordan Folklore Museum: (09.00am- 4.00pm) Every other Day
• (10.00am- 4.00pm) Fridays.
• The Museum of Popular Tradition: (09.00am- 4.00pm) Every other Day
• Closed Tuesdays.

To the North-East stands "The Odeon" or Small Theatre, which is currently under restoration. It was built around the same time as the Roman Theatre, this intimate Theatre is still used today as it was in Roman times, for Musical Concerts. It could seat up to 500 people. The Archaeologists believe that this building was probably covered with either a wooden or temporary tent roof, shielding performers and audiences from the elements.
Southwest from the Theatre Complex is Philadelphia's Chief Fountain or Nymphaeum which stands with its back to Quraysh Street. Much of the
Fountain, which was completed in (191 CE), its hidden from public view by private homes and shops.

Heading southwest from the theater complex, Philadelphia's chief fountain, or Nymphaeum, stands with its back to Quraysh Street. Much of the fountain, which was completed in 191 CE, is hidden from public view by private houses and shops. It is believed to have contained a 600 square metre pool which is 3 metres deep, which was continuously refilled with water.
Jordan's Department of Antiquities is currently excavating the Nymphaeum, and ultimately hopes to restore the site to its original structure by 2010. From the Nymphaeum, the short stroll to the King Hussein Mosque bustles with pedestrians, juice stands and vendors. The area around the King Hussein Mosque, also known as (al-Husseini) Mosque, is the heart of modern downtown Amman. The Ottoman-style mosque was rebuilt in 1924 on the site of an ancient mosque, probably also the site of the cathedral of Philadelphia. Between the al-Husseini Mosque and the Citadel is Amman's famous gold souq, which features row after row of glittering gold treasures.

That overlooks the city a top of a hill is testimony to the history of Amman.
The Jordan Archaeological Museum has an excellent collection of artefacts from Jordan dating back to the earliest settlement in the region of over 700,000 years ago. The Dead Sea Scrolls, Iron Age sarcophagi and a copy of the Mesha Stele are its most important exhibits.

• Address: Jabal al-Qala'a
• Telephone: 06 463 8795 (Museum)
• Opening time: Museum: Daily (9.00am to 5.00pm in Winter).
• Friday and holidays (10.00am to 6.00pm )
• Opening time: Museum: Daily (9.00am to 7.00pm in Summer)

Below the Citadel is the magnificent Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive relic from ancient Philadelphia that is cut into the hill, which seats up to 6,000 people. The Theater is still used occasionally for events today.
Two Cultural Museums form part of the complex: The Jordan Folklore Museum, which has exhibits on Traditional Life, and The Museum of Popular Traditions with Traditional Costumes and Mosaics from (4th - 6th century), Jordan Churches.

• Jordan Folklore Museum and Museum of Popular Traditions:
• Address: Quraysh Street, Downtown;
• Open Daily (9.00am to 5.00pm).

Jerash is situated (40km) North of Amman and is one the Top Attractions in Jordan.
It is considered to be one of the most complete and well preserved Roman sites in the World. The excellent state of preservation is due to the fact that it was buried in sand for centuries and the marvellous Baths, Theatres, Temples, Arches, Columns and stone chariot-rutted streets have long attracted Scholars and Tourists from across the Globe to be in awe of the most complete city in the Roman Decapolis. Excavations dating to the Neolithic Age have indicated that Jerash was constantly occupied for more than 6,500 years.
Today visitors can marvel as the ancient amphitheatre comes to life at the yearly Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts in July, where Artists from around the globe sing, dance, act and play music on stage in a celebration of Jordanian and International culture.

Telephone: (0)2 635 1014 (Visitor's Centre)
Opening time: Daily 7am until dark. From July to October a sound and light show takes place every evening

Situated about (45km) from Amman, lies the famous geographic attraction known as the Dead Sea. It is the lowest point on earth at 1,335ft (407m) below sea level. Devoid of plant or animal life, due the high salt concentration (ten times saltier than normal sea water), it is the unbelievable mineral enriched water that has made it an Internationally sought-after destination to visit since ancient times. It is popular for its healing properties as well as for the experience of buoyancy as you float effortlessly on its surface. Most holidaymakers go to the main resort area on the northern shore at Sweimeh. The Government Rest House provides showers, a restaurant, a beach and the chance to smother oneself in the mineral-rich black mud. Accommodation is available at the Dead Sea Spa Hotel where a range of medical treatments are also on offer. Transport: Buses leave from Muhajrin Station to the Government Rest House at Sweimeh; Admission: Swimming anywhere in the Dead Sea is Free, but a fee of 2JD allows entry to the Government Rest House where it is possible to swim and utilise their facilities including showers.

The most sacred site in Jordan is Mt Nebo, itis believed to be the burial site of Moses, who climbed the hill in order to survey the Promised Land that he would never enter. Situated on the edge of a plateau about (10km) from Madaba, Mt Nebo offers magnificent views towards Jerusalem, whose spires are discernible on a clear day, and across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. A modern day shrine sits on the ruins of a 6th-century Byzantine monastery, and offers protection to the original floor mosaics. Within its grounds stands the symbolic Serpentine Cross.
Opening Daily (9.00am to 5.00pm), Admission: 500 fills.

The Medeba of the Bible is today Madaba, ‘the City of Mosaics', most famous for its magnificent Byzantine and Umayyad Mosaics from the ( 5th- 7th) Centuries. They are scattered throughout the town's homes and churches. It is situated just (30km) South of Amman, Madaba is also home to the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, in which Jerusalem and its surrounding regions are depicted.
One of the town's most stunning mosaics covers the floor of the Byzantine Church of the Apostles, and the Archaeological Park features an striking collection of mosaic collages. A series of ramps have been built over excavated mosaics to allow persons to view them from above. The Greek Orthodox Church of St George is home to Madaba's main attraction.
The most renowned mosaic, the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Millions of pieces of coloured stone embedded on the Church floor create a clear picture of Jerusalem and its Holy sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dead Sea, Jericho and the Jordan River. It is the earliest surviving original map in existence of the region. It was laid around (560 AD). Madaba is also known for its hand-woven carpets and tapestries, you can go to see them being made in several shops around town.
Opening time: Church of St. George: Daily (8.30am- 6.00pm), Friday and Sunday from (10.00am - 6.00pm).
Admission: A donation to the poor is requested at the Church.

• The Airport is located (32km) South of Amman.
• Time: Local time is GMT +2 ( November to March)
• GMT +3 ( April to October)
• Telephone Contact: +962 06 445 3013.
• Transfer to the city: The Yellow metered Taxis are inexpensive and readily available. There is also a Public Bus Service and Car Rental Services.
• Car Rentals available include major companies such as Avis & Hertz.
• Facilities: Bank & Bureau De Change for your banking needs, Duty-Free shopping, wireless Internet access, Bars & Restaurants. Also there are facilities for Disabled persons available. A Tourist Help Desk is also available.

The basis most people travel to Amman, Jordan's ‘white city', is because it is a great base for exploring the country. A vacation in Amman will also make known that this city (one of the oldest in the world) boasts an abundance of historical sites, modern atmosphere and culture.

If you want to stay dry, avoid a vacation in Amman between October and March, when it is wet and cold, with occasional snowfalls. Sun-lovers who travel to Amman will revel in the hot, dry, summer months.

An Amman vacation is recommended for serious travellers, who enjoy discovering a different way of life and making excursions to unique and interesting outlying sites. The famous ‘Rose City', the historic town of Madaba with its beautiful mosaics and the Dead Sea.