A sprawling city spread over 19 hills, or jebels, Amman is the
modern, as well as the ancient capital of the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan.
Known as Rabbath-Ammon during prehistoric periods and later as Philadelphia,
the ancient city that was once part of the Decapolis league, now boasts a
population of around 1.5 million. Often referred to as the white city due
to its low size canvas of stone houses, Amman offers a variety of historical
sites and modern facilities
that is complemented by wonderfully gracious and welcoming people. Amman is
a busy commercial and administrative center with many fine hotels, restaurants,
art galleries and museums. Shopping amenities vary from old markets and souqs
full of gold and spices to modern boutiques offering local handicrafts and
imported fashions.
Towering above Amman, the site of the earliest fortifications is now subject
to numerous excavations which have revealed remains from the Neolithic period
as well as from the Hellenestic and late Roman to Arab Islamic Ages.
