Citadel Hill

Citadel Hill

Introduction Citadel Hill is the highest point in Amman and was once the site of the city’s original fortress, closely tied to Amman’s history. In the 11th century BC, the Kingdom of Ammon, which worshipped the Egyptian sun god, established its capital on Citadel Hill. At that time, the capital was called “Ammun,” which later evolved into “Amman.” Around the hill, square, rectangular, or circular fortresses and watchtowers were built from large stone blocks. Two statues of Ammonite kings unearthed at the site on Citadel Hill demonstrate that the Ammonites’ sculptural art was similar to that of the Egyptians and Assyrians. Around 300 BC, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the king of Macedonia, named Amman “Philadelphia” after himself, with the city then primarily located on Citadel Hill. Around the turn of the era, Amman became the capital of an important administrative region under the Arab Umayyad Caliphate and reverted to being called “Amman.” The Arabs built the Emir’s Palace on Citadel Hill, facing east. The surviving structures above ground include the Temple of Hercules from the Roman period, the Umayyad Emir’s palace complex, and a Byzantine church. Archaeological excavations have also uncovered numerous artifacts from the Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic periods. Citadel Hill is also the best spot to overlook downtown Amman. From the top, the city unfolds before you, with its tiered expanse of white buildings, giving you a more vivid sense of Amman’s nickname, the “White City.” At the foot of the hill lies the Roman Theater, which is embedded in the city like a half-circle and still frequently hosts performances in the summer.

Amman, Jordan