Amman Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Amman

The capital of Jordan, Amman, is a city that successfully marries rich history with the bustling vibrancy of a modern metropolis. A place where ancient tales and contemporary life intersect.

The earliest evidence of human settlement in the area dates back to the 8th millennium BC. Initially, in the second millennium BC, the city was known as Rabat Aman and served as the capital of the Ammonite Kingdom, centered in the Amman Citadel. In the 3rd century BC, Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt, rebuilt the city and renamed it "Philadelphia" (which means "brotherly love" in Ancient Greek), thus making it a regional center of Hellenistic culture. Under Roman rule, Philadelphia was one of the ten Greco-Roman cities of the Decapolis and later became part of Arabia Petraea province, during which the Roman Theater and other landmarks were built.

The Rashidun Caliphate conquered the city from the Byzantines in the 7th century AD and recalled it Amman (a derivative of Rabat Aman).

Throughout most of the Middle Ages, Amman alternated between periods of devastation and abandonment and spells of relative prosperity as the center of the Balqa region. The city was largely abandoned from the 15th century until 1878 when Ottoman authorities began settling Circassians there. After the Ottoman Empire inaugurated the Hejaz railway station in 1904, Amman became connected to other nearby cities.

After its designation as Transjordan's capital in 1921, the city witnessed rapid growth. Initially built on seven hills, it now spans over 19 hills combining 22 areas. The hilly capital of Jordan boasts countless attractions and places to visit. East Amman is predominantly filled with historic sites that frequently host cultural activities, while West Amman is more modern and serves as the economic center of the city.

If you're interested in getting immersed in Jordanian culture, the local Archaeological Museum and Jordan Museum will have you covered. To experience Amman's contemporary life and people-watching, Rainbow Street can't be beaten. Religious landmarks also grace the cityscape, such as the Grand Al-Husseini Mosque standing tall as a symbol of Islamic architecture.

No matter what drove you to visit Jordan, don't overlook its charming capital city. It's an underrated destination worth at least a few days in your itinerary. You can really get a taste of the country and bask in the warmth of its welcoming people here. Amman awaits your exploration, ready to unveil its captivating secrets!