Watchtower in Rujm Al-Malfouf, Ancient stone watchtower at Rujm Al-Malfouf, Jordan
The watchtower at Rujm Al-Malfouf is a medieval stone structure standing near the Temple of Hercules with openings on three sides for defensive purposes. An internal staircase climbs to the rooftop, which allowed defenders to observe the surrounding area.
The structure was built around 1220 during the Ayyubid period and incorporated stone blocks from earlier Roman buildings. This practice of reusing materials from older sites was common in medieval construction.
The tower shows how defensive structures were built during the Ayyubid period using materials available on site. Visitors can observe how medieval builders adapted existing stone resources to create their architecture.
The tower stands directly beside the Temple of Hercules on a hilltop in Amman and is visible from most areas of the site. Visitors can enter the structure and use the narrow interior staircase to reach the rooftop.
The southern wall of the tower was built using cylindrical column drums from the nearby Temple of Hercules, showing how medieval builders reused parts of older structures. This practice allows visitors today to see multiple construction periods at one location.
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