Amman is a city of nearly 10.000 years of age and has seen many rulers. One of them were the Romans. And they of course built also a theater and a forum. Ii is located today in the very heart of the ancient city.
When I arrived at the old Roman theater, I first had a glimpse on the forum. At this day it was full of seats and tables, decorated for some festivities. A perfect place I think as there is also a great acoustic for speeches and music. It looked royal and I was thinking about a wedding of very rich people.
The theater today may be very different to the times when it had its peak. But still it is very impressive and emotive.
The theater was built during the reign of Antonius Pius from 138 to 161 AD because a forum and theater could not be missing in a Roman city. It is today one of the most impressive remnants of this period. It is cut into the Northern side of a hill in front of the citadel. The hill served before as a necropolis.
The theater has a capacity of 6.000 spectators and the acoustic is amazing. Don’t miss trying out!
It is built in three parts or tiers with the rulers and creators of the piece at the bottom and near to the action, the military sitting in the middle section and public sitting at the largest but most far part. Nevertheless, everyone could clearly hear and see all on stage due to the excellent construction and the steepness of the cavea. As I said: the acoustic is fabulous.
The theater was used also for religious events as seen also at the shrine of the top of the rows once with a small statue of Athena.
In 1957 the theater was fully restored when unfortunately also non-original material was used. At some parts one can see it.
In July and August many events find place here. In the night it is illuminated – I haven’t seen though.
On the left side there is a small museum, Amman Folklore Museum and the Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions, telling us about Bedouins. Beautiful jewelery, pottery and mosaics.
A part of the museum is showing how Bedouins once lived and still do today. Their live is simple but they have all they need to live a good and serene life.
Beautiful jewelery for the women show how important it is for them to be beautiful and seen. There were some pieces I would like to have…
The Roman theater is definitely one of the ‘must see’ places in Amman. Also, if you have seen as many Roman theaters like me don’t miss it, it is worth. And try to go there or early in the morning for sunrise or even better for sunset and wait until they switch on the lights. It will be spectacular!
Amman/Jordan:
For further information:
Jordan Tourism Board
I like especially the last photo because one can see how the Romans used the hill as base for the stand.
The acustic is fantastic! I tried it.. wow!