Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a city where ancient ruins whisper stories of empires long gone, while modern skyscrapers reflect the challenges of the 21st century. Nestled between desert and fertile highlands, Amman has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. From the Ammonites to the Romans, from the Umayyads to the Ottomans, each era has left its mark on this resilient city.
Long before it was called Amman, the city was known as Rabbath Ammon, the capital of the Ammonite kingdom. These ancient Semitic people thrived in the region during the Iron Age, around 1200 BCE. The Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a), perched atop one of Amman’s seven hills, still bears remnants of their civilization. The Ammonites were traders, warriors, and occasionally rivals of the Israelites—a dynamic that echoes in today’s geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
When the Romans conquered the region in 63 BCE, they renamed the city Philadelphia, after Ptolemy II Philadelphus. The Romans left behind an impressive legacy: the Amman Citadel, the Temple of Hercules, and the stunning Roman Theater, which still hosts performances today. The theater, with its 6,000-seat capacity, is a reminder of how Amman was once a cultural melting pot—a role it continues to play in the modern era.
The rise of Islam in the 7th century brought new transformations. Under the Umayyad Caliphate, Amman became a key stop on pilgrimage routes to Mecca. The Umayyad Palace, another jewel of the Citadel, showcases the architectural brilliance of early Islamic rule. Yet, like many cities in the region, Amman faced decline after the Mongol invasions and the shift of power to Baghdad and Damascus.
By the time the Ottomans took control in the 16th century, Amman was little more than a village. Bedouin tribes dominated the surrounding deserts, and the city’s fortunes waned. However, the Hejaz Railway, built in the early 20th century, revived Amman as a strategic stop between Damascus and Medina. This railway also became a target during the Arab Revolt (1916-1918), led by Sharif Hussein and famously associated with T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia).
Today, Amman is a bustling metropolis of over 4 million people, but its growth has been anything but smooth. The city has absorbed waves of refugees—Palestinians in 1948 and 1967, Iraqis after 2003, and Syrians since 2011. This influx has strained resources but also enriched Amman’s cultural fabric.
Jordan hosts one of the highest numbers of refugees per capita in the world, and Amman bears much of this burden. Neighborhoods like Hashemi Shamali and Jabal al-Hussein have become melting pots of Jordanians, Palestinians, and Syrians. While international aid has helped, rising rents and unemployment have fueled tensions. The global community’s fluctuating attention to the crisis highlights the challenges of long-term displacement—a issue that resonates far beyond Jordan’s borders.
Amman is one of the most water-scarce cities in the world. Climate change has exacerbated droughts, while population growth has overwhelmed infrastructure. The Disi Water Conveyance Project, which pipes water from southern aquifers, is a stopgap solution. But with the Jordan River dwindling and regional tensions over water rights (particularly with Israel), Amman’s future hinges on sustainable innovation.
As Jordan navigates regional turmoil—from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the rise of Iran—Amman has become a diplomatic hub. The 2023 Aqaba Summit, where Jordan hosted talks between Palestinian and Israeli officials, underscored the city’s role as a mediator. Yet, with public discontent over normalization with Israel and economic hardships, King Abdullah II walks a tightrope between stability and reform.
Amman’s startup scene is thriving, with incubators like Oasis500 fostering innovation. Yet, youth unemployment remains near 50%. The disconnect between education and job markets mirrors global trends, but in a region where disillusionment can fuel unrest, the stakes are high.
Amman’s story is far from over. From its ancient roots to its modern struggles, the city embodies the resilience and complexity of the Middle East. As climate change, migration, and geopolitical shifts reshape the world, Amman’s ability to adapt will be a test—not just for Jordan, but for humanity itself.