Roman Theatre | Amman

The Roman Theatre in Amman is the most significant Roman-era monument in the city. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius (r. 138–161 AD), it is a testament to the grandeur of ancient Philadelphia.

Visual Characteristics

The theatre is a massive, steeply raked structure carved directly into the northern hillside. It features a three-tiered seating arrangement (cavea) capable of holding 6,000 spectators. The architecture is characterized by its semicircular orchestra and the remnants of the scaenae frons (stage backdrop). The symmetry and sheer scale of the limestone masonry dominate the downtown landscape.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located at Taha Al-Hashimi Street, in the heart of the downtown area (Balad). It faces the Hashemite Plaza and is directly opposite the Amman Citadel.

Access: Easily reachable on foot from the downtown markets or by taxi.

Entry: Requires a ticket (included in the Jordan Pass). The entrance provides access to the theatre and the two small museums located within its lateral vaulted galleries.

Orientation: Built facing north to keep the sun off the spectators during performances.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The theatre was built when Amman was the capital of the Roman province of Philadelphia. It was positioned to utilize the natural slope of the hill for acoustic and structural support. It underwent extensive restoration in 1957, which returned it to a functional state, though some non-original materials were used in the process.

Key Highlights & Activities

Acoustics: The design allows a person speaking at the center of the orchestra to be heard clearly in the highest rows.

Jordan Folklore Museum: Located in the western wing, featuring displays of traditional Jordanian life, Bedouin tents, and looms.

Museum of Popular Traditions: Located in the eastern wing, showcasing traditional costumes, embroidery, and antique jewelry.

The Shrine: A small alcove at the very top of the seating area, which once housed a statue of Athena (now in the Archaeological Museum).

Infrastructure & Amenities

The surrounding Hashemite Plaza provides public space with benches and fountains. Public restrooms are available inside the theatre complex. The area is a hub for street food, traditional coffee shops, and spice markets. While the plaza is accessible, the theatre itself requires climbing steep, original stone steps.

Best Time to Visit

Morning is ideal for photography as the sun illuminates the seating rows. The theatre is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00 (shorter hours in winter). During summer evenings, the theatre is frequently used for live concerts and cultural festivals, offering a unique contemporary experience of the ancient space.

Facts & Legends

The seating was socially stratified: the lowest tier (ima cavea) was for the elite, the middle (media cavea) for the military, and the top (summa cavea) for the general public. A local legend suggests that the theatre was connected via a secret underground tunnel to the Citadel on the hill above, allowing rulers to descend safely to public events.

Nearby Landmarks

Odeon: A smaller 500-seat theatre situated adjacent to the main structure.

Nymphaeum: 0.3km West (Roman public fountain).

Amman Citadel: 0.5km North (visible on the hill directly above).

Grand Husseini Mosque: 0.6km West.