Amman history

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a city with a history stretching back thousands of years. Its past is multifaceted: it served as the capital of ancient kingdoms, a vital centre of Hellenistic culture, and a thriving Roman city before evolving into a modern metropolis.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first traces of human settlement in the Amman area, such as the Neolithic site of 'Ain Ghazal, date back to approximately 7000 BC. However, it took shape as a proper city during the Iron Age, around the 13th century BC, becoming the capital of the Ammonite Kingdom known as Rabbath Ammon. In the 3rd century BC, the Egyptian ruler Ptolemy II Philadelphus rebuilt the city and renamed it Philadelphia. Later, the city became part of the Decapolis—a league of ten Hellenistic cities under Roman rule—marking a period of great prosperity.

Key Development Factors

Several key factors contributed to the city's development:

• Geographical Location: Amman is situated on a hilly plateau between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley, providing both strategic defence and access to resources.
• Trade Routes: In antiquity, the city was located on the "King's Highway"—one of the most important trade routes linking Egypt with Mesopotamia, which fostered commercial prosperity.
• Political Influence: Its status as the capital of the Ammonite Kingdom, and later as a major administrative centre in the Roman Empire, attracted resources and power to the city.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

During the classical period, Amman was a flourishing city. Its economy was based on agriculture and active caravan trade. Cultural life was rich and diverse, combining Semitic, Greek, and Roman traditions. Evidence of this past grandeur can be seen in the monumental structures of the Roman period that survive to this day: the majestic Roman Amphitheatre, seating 6,000 spectators, and the ruins of the Temple of Hercules on the Citadel hill. After the Arab conquest in the 7th century, the city returned to its ancient name in the form of Amman and became an important stop on the pilgrim route.

Timeline of Key Events

The history of Amman spans several millennia, during which it has journeyed from an ancient settlement to a modern capital. Here are some of the most significant milestones in its rich past.

• Circa 7000 BC — 'Ain Ghazal, one of the largest Neolithic settlements known to science, flourishes in the area of modern Amman.
• Circa 13th Century BC — The city, known as Rabbath Ammon, becomes the capital of the Ammonite Kingdom.
• 3rd Century BC — Egyptian ruler Ptolemy II Philadelphus conquers the city, rebuilds it on a Hellenistic model, and names it Philadelphia.
• 63 BC — Philadelphia joins the Decapolis—a league of ten Hellenistic cities under Roman administration—contributing to its prosperity.
• 2nd Century AD — During the height of the Roman Empire, monumental structures are erected in the city, including the Roman Theatre and the Temple of Hercules.
• 7th Century AD — Muslim armies conquer the city, and its ancient Semitic name is restored in the form "Amman".
• 8th Century AD — During the Umayyad dynasty, a majestic palace complex is built on the Citadel.
• 15th Century — Following a series of earthquakes and shifts in trade routes, Amman falls into decline and becomes a small settlement for several centuries.
• 1878 — Ottoman authorities begin resettling Circassian refugees from the Caucasus in Amman, sparking the city's revival.
• 1902-1908 — The Hejaz Railway, connecting Damascus and Medina, passes through the city, turning Amman into an important trade hub.
• 1921 — Amman is proclaimed the capital of the newly formed Emirate of Transjordan under Emir Abdullah I.
• 1946 — The city becomes the capital of the independent Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Key Milestones of Modern Development

Modern Amman is the result of rapid transformations that have turned a small settlement into a thriving metropolis over the last century. Here are several key stages that defined the appearance and economy of today's Jordanian capital.

• Revival of the City (Late 19th Century): After centuries of decline, the impetus for Amman's revival was the resettlement of Circassian immigrants by the Ottoman Empire in 1878. This event marked the beginning of modern urban planning and laid the foundation for future growth.
• Construction of the Hejaz Railway (1900–1908): The laying of this line, connecting Damascus with Medina, was a decisive factor for the economy. Amman transformed into a strategically important trade and transport hub, attracting merchants and fostering rapid growth.
• Proclamation as Capital (1921): With the formation of the Emirate of Transjordan, Amman was chosen as its capital. This status gave a powerful impulse to development: the construction of government buildings began, along with the formation of new urban infrastructure and an administrative system.
• Capital of an Independent Kingdom (1946): Following Jordan's independence, Amman established itself as the nation's political, economic, and cultural centre. This led to further urbanisation and the concentration of financial and business institutions in the city.
• Demographic Growth (Mid-20th Century): As a result of the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict and subsequent events, waves of Palestinian refugees arrived in the region. This led to a sharp increase in population, large-scale housing construction, and the expansion of city boundaries, shaping its diverse social and cultural landscape.
• Economic Boom and Modernisation (Late 20th – Early 21st Century): This period was marked by the active development of the banking sector, IT, healthcare, and tourism. Modern business districts appeared in Amman, such as Abdali, along with shopping malls and international hotels, reflecting its growing role as a regional business hub.

The architectural appearance of Amman is a unique canvas where ancient ruins stand alongside ultra-modern skyscrapers. Unlike many European capitals, the city did not pass through Gothic or Renaissance eras; its development followed its own path. Most buildings are constructed from local white limestone, earning Amman the nickname "The White City". This feature lends visual unity to its diverse architectural styles.

Ancient Heritage: Roman Philadelphia

The foundations of Amman's urban planning were laid in the Roman era when the city bore the name Philadelphia. This period gifted the capital its most famous monuments.

• Style: Monumental Roman architecture, demonstrating engineering prowess and imperial grandeur. Characteristic features include amphitheatres, colonnades, temples, and public fountains.
• Landmarks: In the heart of the modern Downtown lies the majestic Roman Amphitheatre, carved into the hillside in the 2nd century AD and capable of holding up to 6,000 spectators. On the Citadel hill (Jabal Al-Qala'a), ruins of the Temple of Hercules and remains of a Byzantine church have been preserved.
• Urban Planning: The city was planned around a central colonnaded street (Cardo) and a forum, with the valley and the overlooking Citadel serving as its centre.

Islamic Era and Ottoman Revival

After the Roman period, the city underwent several stages of development, including significant contributions to early Islamic architecture and a revival during the Ottoman period.

• Styles: In the 8th century, Early Islamic architecture of the Umayyad Caliphate dominated, characterised by palace complexes with domed halls and geometric decor. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, after centuries of decline, the city was revived under the influence of Ottoman architecture.
• Landmarks: The Citadel houses the monumental Umayyad Palace complex (8th century). A symbol of the city's revival is the Al-Husseini Mosque, built in 1924 in the Ottoman style on the site of an ancient 7th-century mosque.
• Urban Planning: Amman's revival began in 1878 with the resettlement of Circassian immigrants and the construction of the Hejaz Railway, transforming it into a vital transport hub.

Capital of the Kingdom: From Tradition to Modernism

In the 20th century, upon becoming the capital, Amman began to grow rapidly, developing the surrounding hills (Jabals). This period formed the city's characteristic residential districts.

• Style: In the 1920s-40s, a mixed style emerged—elegant two-to-three-storey mansions made of white stone, often with Art Deco elements and traditional arched windows. Later, in the second half of the century, the International Style and Modernism became dominant with their functional apartment buildings.
• Landmarks: The districts of Jabal Amman and Jabal Al-Weibdeh still retain the charm of early capital architecture. One such historic building from 1924, which formerly housed the first post office, is now home to The Duke's Diwan.
• Urban Planning: The urban structure began to form around roundabouts ("Circles") that connected the new districts expanding across the hills.

Modern Metropolis: Postmodernism and Glass

From the late 20th century to the present day, Amman has been experiencing a construction boom that is changing its skyline, adding futuristic features to it.

• Style: Postmodernism and contemporary global architecture. These are characterised by the use of glass, steel, complex forms, and large volumes. Architects often strive to combine the latest technologies with references to traditional Islamic patterns and forms.
• Landmarks: The new business centre in the Abdali district with its skyscrapers, such as the Amman Rotana Hotel tower, the Le Royal hotel with its recognisable silhouette, and the Jordan Gate Towers are striking examples of the city's modern architecture.
• Urban Planning: Development is moving towards creating new business and commercial centres in West Amman to relieve the historic centre and meet the needs of the growing metropolis.

Prominent Figures in the History of Amman

The history of Amman, from ancient Philadelphia to the modern capital of Jordan, is inextricably linked with the names of rulers, thinkers, and artists who left their mark on the city's destiny.

• Ptolemy II Philadelphus (308–246 BC) — Hellenistic ruler of Egypt. In the 3rd century BC, he conquered the city, then known as Rabbath Ammon, rebuilt it on a Greek model, and named it Philadelphia. This move made the city an important centre of Hellenistic culture in the region.
• Abdullah I bin Al-Hussein (1882–1951) — The founder of modern Jordan. In 1921, he chose Amman as the capital of the Emirate of Transjordan, which became a turning point in the city's history, transforming it from a small settlement into a political centre. In 1946, he became the first King of the independent Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
• Hussein bin Talal (1935–1999) — King of Jordan who ruled the country for nearly half a century (1952-1999). He was born and passed away in Amman. His era was a time of rapid growth and modernisation for the capital, which turned into a major metropolis, accepting several waves of refugees and becoming a vital economic hub of the region.
• Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein (born 1962) — The current King of Jordan. Born in Amman, he ascended the throne in 1999. His reign is associated with the further modernisation of the city, the implementation of major urban projects such as the new Abdali business district, and the strengthening of Amman's role as a regional centre for business and technology.
• Queen Rania Al-Abdullah (born 1970) — The wife of King Abdullah II and one of the most famous public figures in the world, residing in Amman. She is actively involved in social work in the fields of education, healthcare, and the protection of women's and children's rights, having founded the Jordan River Foundation in 1995. Her activities significantly influence the social and cultural face of the modern capital.
• Mustafa Wahbi Al-Tal, known as Arar (1899–1949) — One of Jordan's most revered poets and public figures. He lived and worked in Amman, and his work, permeated with love for the homeland and a striving for justice, has become an integral part of the cultural heritage of the city and the country.
• Mona Saudi (1945–2022) — A world-renowned Jordanian artist and sculptor born in Amman. Her monumental stone works, inspired by the ancient cultures of the region, adorn collections and public spaces around the world, including the square in front of the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. Mona Saudi is considered one of the pioneers of modern art in Jordan.