Archaeology and history in Jordan
Explore Jordan's ancient sites: Nabataean Petra, Roman Jerash, Byzantine mosaics at Madaba and the full Decapolis circuit.
Amman Citadel guide: Jabal al-Qal'a from the Bronze Age to the Umayyads
The Amman Citadel holds a Roman temple, an Umayyad palace, a Byzantine church and the Jordan Archaeological Museum — all on one hilltop overlooking downtown.
Q: What is the Amman Citadel?
Crusader castles in Jordan: how many can you visit?
Jordan has three major Crusader castles: Karak (1142), Shobak (1115), and Habis at Petra. Here is what to expect at each and how to plan your visit.
Q: How many Crusader castles can you visit in Jordan?
Jerash: complete visitor guide
Everything to plan your Jerash visit: ticket prices, opening hours, the Oval Plaza, Artemis Temple, and how to combine it with Ajloun or Amman.
Q: Is Jerash worth visiting?
The Nabataean civilization: who built Petra and how?
The Nabataeans were Arab traders who built Petra from the 4th century BC. Masters of water engineering, trade routes and rock-cut architecture.
Q: Who built Petra?
Petra: complete visitor guide
Plan your Petra visit: ticket prices in JOD, opening hours, top sights from Treasury to Monastery, and the smartest way to get there.
Q: How long do you need to see Petra?
Ajloun Castle guide: Saladin's fortress in the northern hills
Ajloun Castle (Qal'at ar-Rabad) was built in 1184 to counter the Crusaders. Explore its four towers, panoramic views and forest setting in north Jordan.
Q: Why visit Ajloun Castle?
The Decapolis in Jordan: which Roman cities can you visit?
Four of the ten Decapolis cities are in Jordan: Jerash (Gerasa), Umm Qais (Gadara), Pella, and Amman (Philadelphia). Here is what survives of each.
Q: Which Decapolis cities are in Jordan?
Karak Castle guide: the Crusader fortress on the King's Highway
Karak Castle (1142 AD) is the most dramatic Crusader fortress in Jordan, built on a ridge above the King's Highway. Ideal stopover on the way to Petra.
Q: Is Karak Castle on the way to Petra?
Pella (Tabaqat Fahl): is this ancient city worth a detour?
Pella (Tabaqat Fahl) spans 6,000 years of history from the Bronze Age to the Mamluk era. Uncrowded, scenic, and genuinely underrated.
Q: Is Pella worth a detour from Amman?
Amman Roman Theatre: what to expect at a 6,000-seat ancient venue
Amman's Roman Theatre seats 6,000 and dates to 138 AD. It still hosts events today. Inside: two museums, a folklore collection, and stunning city views.
Q: Can you watch shows at Amman's Roman Theatre?
Shobak Castle guide: Jordan's oldest Crusader fortress
Shobak was built in 1115 by Baldwin I — the oldest Crusader castle in Jordan. Remote, atmospheric, and far less visited than Karak.
Q: Should you visit Shobak Castle?
Umm Qais guide: Gadara's ruins and the view over three countries
Umm Qais (ancient Gadara) offers Roman ruins, a black basalt theatre and stunning views over the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights.
Q: What can you see at Umm Qais?