Location: Al Hashimi, Amman
The Roman Forum in Amman, Jordan, is a significant archaeological site that served as the central public square of the ancient city of Philadelphia during the Roman period (circa 1st–3rd centuries CE). Located in the heart of modern Amman, the forum is adjacent to the iconic Roman Theatre and the Odeon, forming part of a well-preserved complex that reflects the grandeur of Roman urban planning.
The Roman Forum in Amman was constructed during the 2nd century CE,
with some sources pinpointing its development around 190 CE under the
reign of Emperor Commodus (r. 180–192 CE). At the time, Amman was known
as Philadelphia, named after the Ptolemaic ruler Philadelphus, and was
one of the cities of the Decapolis, a league of ten Greco-Roman cities
in the southeastern Levant. The forum served as the political,
religious, commercial, and social hub of the city, a common feature in
Roman urban centers. It was designed to accommodate large gatherings,
markets, public speeches, and civic activities, reflecting the
importance of Philadelphia as a regional center under Roman rule.
The forum was strategically positioned in front of the Roman
Theatre, which was built earlier (138–161 CE) during the reign of
Emperor Antoninus Pius, and near the Odeon, a smaller venue for musical
performances. The Hashemite Plaza, a modern addition, now integrates the
forum with these structures, enhancing its accessibility and prominence
in downtown Amman. The forum’s location at the foot of Jabal Al-Joufah,
opposite the Amman Citadel, underscores its central role in the ancient
city’s layout.
The Roman Forum in Amman was one of the largest public squares in the
Roman Empire, measuring approximately 100 meters by 50 meters. Its
design followed the typical Roman forum model, characterized by an open
plaza surrounded by colonnades, temples, and civic buildings. Below are
the key architectural elements:
1. Layout and Dimensions
The
forum was a rectangular open plaza, bordered on three sides by
colonnades and on the fourth side by the Seil Amman stream, a natural
boundary now largely covered by modern infrastructure.
Its size (100
x 50 meters) made it exceptionally large for a provincial city, rivaling
some of the grandest forums in the empire. This scale reflects
Philadelphia’s importance as a commercial and cultural hub.
The plaza
was paved, likely with stone slabs, though much of the original paving
has been lost or lies beneath modern streets. Some Roman paving stones
and a Corinthian colonnade remain visible today.
2. Colonnades
A prominent feature of the forum is the row of columns immediately in
front of the Roman Theatre, which represents the remnants of the
colonnades that once flanked the square.
These columns, originally
part of a larger colonnade, were approximately 15 meters tall and spaced
1 meter apart, creating an imposing and elegant boundary.
The columns
were likely Corinthian in style, consistent with Roman architectural
aesthetics, and some have been restored by archaeologists to their
original positions.
Earthquakes over the centuries caused significant
damage, toppling many columns, but restoration efforts have preserved a
small section, giving visitors a sense of the forum’s former grandeur.
3. Surrounding Structures
Roman Theatre: To the south, the forum
is directly adjacent to the Roman Theatre, a 6,000-seat amphitheater
carved into Jabal Al-Joufah. The theatre’s northern orientation ensured
that spectators were shaded, with the forum serving as an open gathering
space for pre- and post-performance activities.
Odeon: To the east,
the forum is flanked by the Odeon, a smaller 500-seat auditorium built
in the 2nd century CE for musical performances.
Roman Nymphaeum: A
short walk northwest, the Nymphaeum, built in 191 CE, was an ornate
public fountain dedicated to water nymphs. It featured water features,
mosaics, and stone carvings, complementing the forum’s role as a civic
center.
Temples and Civic Buildings: While specific temples or
basilicas directly associated with the forum are not well-documented in
surviving records, Roman forums typically included such structures. The
nearby Temple of Hercules at the Amman Citadel, visible from the forum,
suggests that religious activities were integrated into the area’s
broader civic landscape.
4. Modern Additions
The forum is now
part of the Hashemite Plaza, a renovated public space that integrates
the ancient ruins with modern landscaping, fountains, and benches.
The plaza’s modern aesthetic, with paved areas and greenery, contrasts
with the ancient ruins but enhances the site’s accessibility and appeal
as a public park.
The Roman Forum in Amman was the heart of civic life in ancient
Philadelphia, embodying the values of Roman society. Its significance
can be understood through several lenses:
Political and
Administrative Role: The forum was a venue for political discourse,
legal proceedings, and public announcements. It likely hosted gatherings
of local elites and Roman officials, reinforcing Philadelphia’s status
within the empire.
Commercial Hub: As a marketplace, the forum
facilitated trade and economic activity, connecting Philadelphia to
regional and imperial networks. Its proximity to the Seil Amman stream
and major roads enhanced its accessibility.
Social and Cultural
Center: The forum was a gathering place for festivals, public events,
and social interactions, fostering a sense of community. Its adjacency
to the Roman Theatre and Odeon suggests it was a focal point for
cultural performances.
Symbol of Roman Power: The forum’s monumental
scale and architectural sophistication demonstrated Rome’s engineering
prowess and cultural influence in the provinces. It was a physical
manifestation of Philadelphia’s integration into the Roman Empire.
Archaeological Value: Today, the forum provides insights into Roman
urban planning and the history of the Decapolis. Artifacts such as
pottery found in the area (e.g., documented in archaeological studies)
offer clues about daily life and trade.
The forum’s enduring presence
in Amman’s landscape underscores Jordan’s rich historical tapestry,
bridging ancient and modern identities. Its integration into the
Hashemite Plaza reflects efforts to preserve and celebrate this
heritage.
The Roman Forum in Amman is significantly reduced from its original
splendor due to natural disasters, urban development, and the passage of
time. Key aspects of its current state include:
Preserved
Elements: The most visible remnants are the row of Corinthian columns in
front of the Roman Theatre and some paving stones. These have been
partially restored to evoke the forum’s original layout.
Damage and
Loss: Earthquakes, a recurring challenge in Amman’s history, destroyed
many of the original columns and structures. Much of the forum lies
beneath modern streets, limiting excavation and preservation efforts.
Modern Integration: The forum is now part of the Hashemite Plaza, a
public park with fountains, benches, and shaded areas. This
transformation has made the site a popular spot for relaxation and
social activities, though it obscures some of its ancient character.
Accessibility: The forum is fully open to the public, with no entry fees
for the plaza itself. Access to the adjacent Roman Theatre and Odeon
requires a ticket (approximately 2 JOD for tourists, 0.25 JOD for
Jordanian residents, often included with the Jordan Pass).
The site’s
modern role as a park has preserved its function as a communal space,
albeit in a different context. Visitors can see children playing, locals
playing chess, and tourists enjoying the views, particularly of the
Temple of Hercules at the Citadel.
Visiting the Roman Forum in Amman offers a blend of historical
exploration and modern leisure. Here’s what to expect:
Duration
of Visit: Exploring the forum itself takes 15–30 minutes, as the visible
ruins are limited to the colonnade and plaza. Combining the visit with
the Roman Theatre, Odeon, and nearby museums (e.g., Jordan Folklore
Museum and Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions) can extend the
experience to 1–2 hours.
Highlights:
Colonnade: The restored
columns provide a striking visual link to the Roman past, especially
when viewed against the backdrop of the Roman Theatre.
Hashemite
Plaza: The modern plaza is ideal for relaxation, with benches,
fountains, and views of the Citadel’s Temple of Hercules.
Proximity
to Other Sites: The forum’s location makes it easy to visit the Roman
Theatre (entry 2 JOD), Odeon, and Nymphaeum, all within a short walk.
The Amman Citadel, a 15–20-minute walk uphill, offers panoramic views of
the forum and theatre.
Photography: The forum is photogenic,
especially in the morning when soft light enhances the columns’ details,
or at sunset for dramatic views from the theatre’s upper tiers.
Atmosphere: The plaza is lively yet relaxed, with locals and tourists
mingling. It’s a great spot for people-watching, though some visitors
note that the modern landscaping overshadows the ancient ruins.
Accessibility: The forum is easily accessible on foot from downtown
Amman, near Hashemi Street and the Raghdan Tourist Terminal. Taxis or
rideshare apps are convenient for reaching the site.
Limitations: The
forum’s reduced state (only a fraction of the original structure
remains) may disappoint those expecting a more extensive ruin like
Rome’s Forum Romanum. There are minimal interpretive signs, so visitors
may benefit from a guide or prior research.
Nearby Attractions:
Roman Theatre (adjacent): A 6,000-seat amphitheater with excellent
acoustics, still used for events like the Al-Balad Music Festival.
Odeon (adjacent): A 500-seat venue for musical performances.
Roman
Nymphaeum (5-minute walk): A restored public fountain from 191 CE.
Amman Citadel (15–20-minute walk): Home to the Temple of Hercules and
the Jordan Archaeological Museum.
Downtown Amman (Al-Balad): Vibrant
markets, cafes, and the Grand Husseini Mosque are within walking
distance.
Location: Hashemite Plaza, between the Roman Theatre and Hashemi
Street, downtown Amman, Jordan.
Opening Hours: The forum, as part of
the Hashemite Plaza, is open 24/7 as a public space. The adjacent Roman
Theatre is typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with seasonal
variations (e.g., extended hours in summer). Check with local
authorities or the Jordan Tourism Board for exact times.
Admission:
Free for the forum/Hashemite Plaza. Entry to the Roman Theatre and
associated museums costs ~2 JOD for tourists (0.25 JOD for residents),
often covered by the Jordan Pass.
Getting There:
On Foot:
Easily reached from downtown Amman, near the Roman Theatre entrance.
By Car/Taxi: Parking is available at the Raghdan Tourist Terminal, a
short walk away.
Public Transport: Buses and shared taxis serve
downtown Amman, with stops near Hashemi Street.
Tips for
Visitors:
Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures and
better lighting for photos.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the plaza and
nearby sites involve walking on uneven surfaces.
Combine the forum
with the Roman Theatre and Citadel for a half-day itinerary.
Bring
water and sun protection, as the plaza is exposed to the sun.
Consider a guided tour for deeper historical context, as on-site signage
is limited.
Contact: For updated information, check the Jordan
Tourism Board website (www.visitjordan.com) or contact the Roman Theatre
administration via local tourism offices.
The Roman Forum in Amman is a remarkable testament to the city’s
Roman heritage, but its current state presents challenges. The limited
surviving structures—primarily the colonnade—pale in comparison to more
extensive sites like the Forum Romanum in Rome or the Roman ruins in
Jerash, Jordan. The integration into the Hashemite Plaza, while making
the site accessible and pleasant, has modernized the space in a way that
some visitors find detracts from its historical authenticity.
Additionally, the lack of detailed on-site interpretation can make it
difficult for casual visitors to appreciate the forum’s significance
without prior research or a guide. Compared to the Roman Theatre, which
is better preserved and more visually striking, the forum may feel
underwhelming for those not specifically interested in Roman urban
planning. However, its free access, central location, and role as a
living public space make it a worthwhile stop, particularly as part of a
broader exploration of Amman’s Roman landmarks.