The Roman Theatre in Amman is just one of many remnants left behind by what was once an infallible Empire that changed the course of history in no uncertain terms. Because of its popularity and central location, you will find this site featured in several of our Egypt and Jordan tours.

The Roman Theatre In Amman, Jordan.

Jordan, as a country, has so much to offer an adventure-seeking tourist. Whether you want to explore its untamed deserts; visit amazing historical places, or delve into its biblical past, you won’t be disappointed.

Home of the world famous Ruins of Petra and its intricate water conduit system that helped to propel the Rose City of Petra to prosperity, Jordan is also the place where several biblical events took place. It was in the River Jordan for example, where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist; an extremely important event for Christians.

Another example would be Mount Nebo. It is believed that Moses was shown the Promised Land by God while on this mountain, and many Christians also believe that Moses was buried on the mountain by God himself.

Roman Theatre In Amman – A Brief History

The Roman Theater in Amman is undeniably one of the most visited Jordan tourist attractions. It was originally built between 138 and 161 CE, during the reign of the Roman Emperor, Antonius Pius. Antonius Pius is believed to have been one of the better Emperors in Roman history, and his wife Faustina is remembered for her lifelong dedication to helping the poor. Antonius was also one of the most peaceful Emperors in Roman history, as he himself was never directly involved in any wars.

Antonius favored things like philosophy, science and the fine arts, and as a result, he had many complexes built, including theaters like the Roman Theater in Amman.

The Roman Theater In Amman And Its Use Today

Originally built to accommodate around 5,000 spectators, the Roman Theatre in Amman is still used to this day for hosting certain cultural events. As with many historical places of interest in Jordan, the Jordanian authorities have excelled in maintaining the theatre.

The Roman Theatre in Amman is also home to the fascinating Amman Folklore Museum and the Amman Museum of Popular Traditions. Both museums are located in a series of rooms behind the two ground level entrances, with one museum being directly across from the other.

All of our Egypt and Jordan combined tours include a stay in Amman, so even if the Roman Theater is not included in your preferred itinerary, you can still visit the site on your own.

The Gods – Forget About Front Row Seats

When the theater was still in its prime, Roman dignitaries and other VIPs would gather and be seated in the uppermost section of the theater rather than opting for those seats which were closest to the performers. This uppermost section was and still is known as “The Gods”.

From this vantage point, spectators would have an unobstructed view of the actors and the orchestra, and because of the steep design of the Roman Theater in Amman, the actors could be heard clearly. Some historians believe the uppermost seats were mostly occupied by members of the general public, but there is still much debate regarding this.

Refurbishment Of The Theater

It was only in 1957 that the Jordanian authorities began refurbishing the Roman Theater in Amman in earnest, and some critics point out that much of the restoration was carried out using “non-original” materials. Nonetheless, the end result was nothing short of spectacular, so it’s hardly surprising that the theatre is the highlight of Amman for many tourists.

When To Photograph This Roman Legacy

If you’re serious about photography, then you’ll want to visit the Roman Theatre in Amman in the morning or late afternoon. Morning time is excellent since the natural light is somewhat softer than it is during the day, but late afternoon, just before the sun sets, is also a great time for taking pictures, especially from the top tiers.

At night the entire theatre is illuminated with floodlights, so this might also be a good time to take some remarkably unique photos. For the ultimate photo experience, one should try to visit during a time when one or other event is being hosted in the theatre. After all, not many people get to photograph or record a live play taking place in a Roman theatre which is essentially thousands of years old.

If you would like to visit the Roman Theatre in Amman, along with countless other historical attractions in this ancient land, please explore our Egypt and Jordan Tours. We offer several unbeatable tour packages, and we can also customize a tour specifically for your own personal requirements.

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