The Ancient City Amman

Amman- Philadelphia Jordan's capital, has been inhabited almost continuously for more than 9000 years. Geographically situated on seven hills, Amman historically sits astride many centuries. The earliest settlements in Amman date from the time of the Ammonites in 1200 BC,

in the area where the Citadel now stands. Despite its eventful biblical years, most of the ruins dotted around the city date from Amman's distinguished Roman and Byzantine eras. Amman was renamed Philadelphia by the Hellenistic ruler Ptolemy II and was later incorporated into the Decapolis, during which time it was famous for its sumptuous architecture and enlightened cultural centers.

In the seventh century, following the Persian onslaught, Philadelphia reverted to its old Semitic name of Amman. During the Ummayad era, Amman thrived due to its strategic location along the trade routes and also for its military position. However, this dominant political position subsided until the nineteenth century, during which time the city of Salt had stolen much of the limelight from Amman. Today, with over one million inhabitants,

Amman is a modern city with white stone houses covering the seven hills. Interspersed are modern offices and public buildings using Middle Eastern architecture tastefully combined with contemporary design.

Also known as the palace of the prince, Iraq el Amir is believed to have been built by Hyrcanus, head of the prosperous Tobiad family who lived during the reign of Seleucus IV (187-175 BC). The massive honey coloured blocks that make up this edifice are thought to be the biggest of any in the Middle East. The entrance to this palace is narrow and the massive 6m high walls are decorated with sculptures of lions to ward off any impending invaders.

South of Amman proudly stands the "City of Mosaics", Madaba. Madaba is perched on an archaeological tel with more than 4000 years of history buried beneath it. The quality and quantity of mosaic flooring has made Madaba one of the most prominent cities in the world for mosaics. St. George's Church houses the world famous mosaic floor depicting a large mosaic map of Palestine. Centrally located on this mosaic floor is a detailed map of Jerusalem as it was during the sixth century AD. At the Church of the Apostles, at the southern entrance of the city, is a mosaic floor attributed to the craftsman Salamanios, depicting the Sea, with the central figure of a woman encircled with a selection of creatures, vegetation and an inscription.

Continuing 10 Km northwest of Madaba, is Mount Nebo one of the many alleged sites of Moses' Tomb. Here the simple Franciscan chapel which covers the remains of the original 4th century church and 6th century basilica sits atop a mountain crest with a spectacular view of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. The mosaics housed in this basilica are some of the most magnificent in Jordan, dating back to 531 AD.

At the ancient city of Machaerus lies the site of a fortress built by Herod the Great, which later passed on to Herod Antipas, and where John the Baptist was imprisoned. It was here that Salome danced the Dance of the Seven Veils and was presented by Herod with the head of John the Baptist, in honour of her wishes.

A walled settlement south east of Madaba, the main feature of Um er Rasas is a Byzantine tower 15m high used by early Christian monks seeking solitude. At the Church of St. Stephen is a remarkable mosaic floor decorated with Jordanian, Palestinian and Egyptian city plans.

Qusayr Amra was built in 791 AD as a luxurious palace, bath house and hunting lodge for Ummayad princes wishing to retire from their hectic lives. The desert palaces were built for leisure rather than as fortresses, and this is evident in their size, location, and interior decoration. The most charming of these palaces is Qusayr Amra, where the frescoes adorning its interior walls and vaulted ceilings depict the heavens, zodiacs, constellations, hunting scenes, athletic scenes and beautiful women. These frescoes are thought to be the earliest examples of pictorial art made in the Islamic era.

At 400 meter's below sea level, the Dead Sea is infinite in what it has to offer. Ever since the days of Herod the Great, people have flocked to the Dead Sea in search of its curative secrets. Due to high annual temperatures, low humidity and high atmospheric pressure, the air is extremely oxygenous, and the high content of oxygen and magnesium in the air make breathing a lot easier. With the highest content of minerals and salts in the world, the Dead Sea water possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and the dark peloid mud found on the shores have been used for over 2000 years for therapeutic purposes. The Dead Sea Spa Hotel includes a Spa center, offering careful treatments under the supervision of doctors and physiologists. Treatments offered include face and body massages, full body mud packs, individual and specialist treatment for many medical conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo and arthritis. Ma'in Hot Water Springs The spa village at Ma'in is located between Amman and the Dead Sea, and is reached by a spectacular winding downhill road. Set around a series of hot springs gushing out from the hills, the setting is idyllic for relaxation and the enjoyment of the many treatments offered at the spa center.