Qasr al Abd, Hellenistic palace in Iraq al-Amir, Jordan
Qasr al Abd is a Hellenistic palace in Iraq al-Amir, built when Greek architectural styles reached the Middle East. The structure showcases skilled stonework, with life-sized carved lions at its corners, leopard fountains along the side walls, and ornate column tops spread across its exterior.
The palace was built between 182 and 175 BC by Hyrcanus, a member of the wealthy Tobiad family who worked as a tax collector for Egypt's Ptolemaic rulers. Its construction reflects the economic power and cultural influence this family held in the region at that time.
The palace shows a blend of Greek building styles with local craftsmanship, visible in the carved stone lions, leopards, and ornate column tops adorning its walls. These decorative elements reflect how artisans from different backgrounds worked together on a single structure.
The site is located roughly 20 kilometers west of Amman's First Circle and is open to visitors with regular hours. Information panels on site explain the history and structure, helping you understand the details and what you are seeing.
The structure uses some of the largest stone blocks in ancient Middle Eastern architecture, with individual stones reaching up to seven meters long. These massive blocks show the technical skill and resources of the family that funded the project.
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