Athena Review Image Archive ™
Amman [Philadelphia]: Colonnaded avenue and acropolis
Amman [Philadelphia]: view from south of colonnaded avenue (photo: Bell Archive A-382)
Amman, capital of Jordan, was ancient Philadelphia. After growing into a major settlement in the Hellenistic period, in AD 106-12 it became part of the new Roman province of Arabia.
The acropolis sits upon a steep hill with remains of a three-terraced citadel and a temple of Heracles (Hercules), dating from the reign of Marcus Aurelius (AD 161-80). Located south of and below the acropolis is a colonnaded avenue and various public buildings including the baths, a large nymphaeum, two theaters, and the forum.
This 1900 photo by Gertrude Bell shows part of the colonnaded avenue viewed from the south, with the acropolis rising up behind it. The Gertrude Bell Archive is at Newcastle University.
.Copyright © 1996-2020 Rust Family Foundation (All Rights Reserved).