Amman Citadel
Al ‘A̅şimah
The Amman Citadel, located on Citadel Hill in central Amman, Jordan, is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited places, with evidence dating back to the Neolithic period. The site served as the capital of the Kingdom of Ammon after 1200 BCE and was later influenced by Assyrian, Babylonian, Ptolemaic, Seleucid, Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad empires. Key structures visible today include the Great Temple of Amman (often called the Temple of Hercules), a Byzantine church, and the Umayyad Palace complex. The Great Temple, built during Roman rule around AD 161–166, is notable for its large podium and columns, though it may have remained unfinished. The Byzantine church and Umayyad Palace reflect the site's continued importance through successive eras. The Jordan Archaeological Museum, established on the hill in 1951, houses many artifacts from the region. Despite extensive excavations since the 1920s by international teams, much of the Citadel remains unexcavated, preserving its archaeological potential and historical significance as a cultural and political center through millennia.
ヒント: Visit the Amman Citadel during the cooler months or early mornings to avoid heat and crowds. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. The site offers discounts for students and seniors. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain and bring water. Guided tours provide valuable historical context and enhance the experience.
興味深い事実
- •Amman Citadel is among the world's oldest continuously inhabited sites, with evidence from the Neolithic period.
- •The Amman Citadel Inscription is the oldest known inscription in the Ammonite language, written in the Phoenician alphabet.
- •The Great Temple is often called the Temple of Hercules, but the deity worshipped there is uncertain.
- •The site includes structures from multiple empires: Ammonite, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad, and Ayyubid.
- •The Jordan Archaeological Museum, established in 1951, is located on the Citadel Hill.
歴史
The Amman Citadel has been inhabited since the Neolithic era, with fortifications dating to the Bronze Age (~1800 BCE).
It became the capital of the Ammonite Kingdom after 1200 BCE, evidenced by artifacts like the Amman Citadel Inscription, the oldest known Ammonite language text.
The site transitioned through Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad control, with significant Roman construction such as the Great Temple in the 2nd century CE.
The Citadel declined after the 13th century under Ayyubid rule, though a watchtower was added.
In the late 19th century, the Ottoman Empire resettled Circassian refugees there, reviving habitation.
場所ガイド
Great Temple of Amman2nd century CE
A significant Roman temple built during the governorship of Geminius Marcianus (AD 161–166), notable for its large podium and six towering columns. The temple may have been unfinished, with some marble repurposed for the nearby Byzantine church. Its exact deity is unknown, making it a unique archaeological landmark.
Byzantine ChurchByzantine period (4th–7th century CE)
A church built during the Byzantine period, reflecting the Christian heritage of the site. It is located near the Great Temple and constructed partly with marble from the unfinished Roman temple.
Umayyad Palace ComplexUmayyad period (7th–8th century CE)
A large palace complex from the Umayyad period, showcasing early Islamic architecture and the administrative importance of the Citadel during the 7th–8th centuries CE.
Ayyubid Watchtower13th century
A watchtower added during the 13th century under Ayyubid rule, marking the later military importance of the site despite its general decline.
連絡先
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