Temple of Hercules | Amman

Information

Landmark: Temple of Hercules
City: Amman
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Temple of Hercules, Amman, Jordan, Asia

The Temple of Hercules is the principal Roman-era structure within the Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a). It was constructed during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (161–180 AD) as a dedication to Hercules.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is defined by two massive upright columns and several fallen segments, all carved from local limestone. The temple stands on a high podium (temenos) and was originally planned as a prostyle temple with six columns at the front. The most distinct visual element is a fragment of a giant stone hand nearby, which belonged to a massive statue of Hercules estimated to have stood 12 meters tall.

Location & Access Logistics

The temple is centrally located on the upper plateau of the Amman Citadel. Access is via the main Citadel entrance on Museum Street. It is a 10-minute walk from the ticket office. The site is approximately 1.5 km from the downtown Balad district. Transportation is typically by taxi or a steep uphill climb from the Roman Theater.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The temple was built between 162 and 166 AD. Inscriptions found on the site suggest it was built during the term of the governor Geminius Marcianus. Geologically, it is constructed from sedimentary limestone typical of the Transjordanian plateau. Archaeological evidence suggests the site was previously occupied by an Iron Age sanctuary dedicated to the Ammonite deity Milcom.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hercules' Hand: A fragment of the thumb and fingers of a colossal statue, illustrating the intended scale of the sanctuary.

Corinthian Columns: The remaining pillars feature highly detailed acanthus leaf capitals.

City Panorama: The temple offers the clearest view of the 6,000-seat Roman Theater in the valley below.

Inscriptions: Visible stone blocks containing Greek text referring to the Roman administration of the city (Philadelphia).

Infrastructure & Amenities

The immediate area around the columns is paved with gravel and ancient stone. There are informational plaques in Arabic and English provided by the Department of Antiquities. The site is fully exposed to the sun with no overhead cover. Restrooms and a small visitor center are located approximately 200 meters away near the Citadel entrance.

Best Time to Visit

The site is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00. Sunset is the optimal time for photography, as the limestone columns take on an orange hue and provide a stark silhouette against the Amman skyline. Spring (March to May) is preferable for lower temperatures and local vegetation growth on the hill.

Facts & Legends

A verified architectural oddity is that the temple was never actually completed; researchers have found that several sections of the entablature and outer columns were never installed. Local lore associates the temple's destruction with the massive Galilee earthquake of 749 AD. The "Hand of Hercules" remains one of the most famous archaeological "fragments" in the Middle East.