Amman Citadel

The Amman Citadel is an archaeological site spread across a hilltop in central Amman, sitting about 850 meters above sea level within ancient defensive walls. Roman temples and Islamic palaces stand side by side on the grounds, along with a museum housed within the complex.

The site was first fortified during the Bronze Age around 1800 BCE and later inhabited by Ammonites, Romans, Byzantines, and Umayyads until the 13th century. Each civilization left behind structures that were built upon or modified by the peoples who came after them.

The Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace show how Roman columns stand alongside Islamic arches, revealing layers of different peoples who built here. Walking through the site, you see how ancient stones were reused and incorporated into newer structures, creating a visible record of changing times and beliefs.

The site is open daily to visitors, with guided tours available on-site to help navigate the different periods and structures. Since it sits on a hillside, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking around the grounds.

Buried among the Iron Age remains is the Amman Citadel Inscription, a rare text written in the ancient Ammonite language. This discovery is one of the oldest known written records of that language and hints at the importance of this location to its earliest inhabitants.