The Roman Theater in Amman is one of the theaters that were designed to show theatrical plays and grand performances of gladiators and wild animals, listening to and reading poetry, music, discussions or lectures, and dance performances accompanying the music, in addition to attending circus shows such as the famous Circus Maximus, which was built on a larger scale to host chariot races.

The Roman Amphitheater is considered one of the most prominent archaeological monuments in Amman and the remainder of the Roman heritage in the Levant region. It was built by the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius between the years 138-161. It was also built according to a unique architectural style, as the Romans practiced various forms of sports and theatrical arts in it. It provides entertainment for citizens, so during this article we will review the most important information about this rich place.

Roman Theater in Amman

The Roman Empire preserved the Greek heritage in the arts of architecture, and they benefited from Greek engineers in Roman buildings later, and they excelled in adding their touches to the architecture that they created during their rule. The Roman leader Pompey was also able in the year 63 BC to impose Roman control over the countries of the eastern sea. The Mediterranean Sea, in addition to giving the ten Greek cities special attention, thus granting them autonomy in governance, and providing them with the services of the Roman army for defense purposes.

When was the Roman theater restored?

It is believed that the severe earthquake that struck the city of Amman and other Levantine regions in 1927 was one of the main reasons for the demolition of a large part of it, especially since its facade was high. Therefore, the amphitheater was restored approximately ten years ago, in addition to the area surrounding it in the Hashemite Square, which is being held. It includes concerts and poetry seminars.

How was the Roman theater built?

The Roman Theater in Amman was built in a circular shape, using huge stones, and was divided into 3 sections. It also includes 8 roads that connect the first and second sections for the audience to cross, while the third connects to 5 roads, as the theater can accommodate approximately 10,000 spectators for anyone to enjoy. A visitor visits the popular exhibits at the museum in the center of beautiful Amman. The Roman amphitheater was used for theatrical and singing performances due to the quality of its sound system. It is also used to this day for artistic performances, as it is considered larger than the Southern Theater in Jerash, which can accommodate only 4,000 to 5,000 spectators.

There are many options available for visitors to enjoy this place, including the following:

• Take a lot of pictures of the views while walking around the amphitheatre.
• View traditional clothing and learn about folk life in Jordan, in addition to the museum including popular exhibits.
• Possibility of walking around the Hashemite Square.
• Enjoy the popular food available in restaurants and cafes.

Features of Roman theater 

This Roman Theater in Amman has many features that tourists can enjoy while visiting the theater, and among these features are the following:

• The Roman Theater is considered the largest theater in Jordan, and it is also one of the largest Roman theaters spread in the world.
• There is a certain aspect of the Roman theater through which the audience can hear the sound coming from it clearly in all the theater stands.
• There are rooms behind the stage that were used by actors to change their clothes before appearing on stage.
• The height of the theater platform building is approximately 3 floors, meaning that it is higher than the columns of Forum Square.
• There are two small museums on either side of the theater, and it simulates the development of the life of the Jordanian population and displays the traditional costumes of Jordanian and Palestinian cities.
• The amphitheaters were used for gladiatorial fights and chariot races.

Activities that can be done in the Roman Theater

Visitors can do many activities when going to the Amman Roman Theater, including the following:

• Tourists can attend a lot of cultural events held at the Roman Amphitheater.
• You can also enjoy attending concerts held there.
• You can also go to the Jordanian Folklore Museum and the Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions and enjoy handicrafts.
• You can go to eat in the popular restaurants, cafes, and sweet shops that are located near the Amman Roman Theater.
• You can visit the Citadel Mountain, which contains the Umayyad Palace and remains of the Temple of Hercules.
• The possibility of visiting the Grand Husseini Mosque, which is considered a distinctive landmark in downtown Amman.

The reason for building the Roman theater

The Roman Theater in Amman is distinguished by its steadfastness over time. It is still as it was built about 1800 years ago. This is due to the good restoration operations it has been subjected to, especially since its good condition has allowed it to be used to this day. The Roman Theater is considered one of the most important and most famous tourist attractions of all time in Jordan. The Greek inscription on one of the column platforms indicates that this theater was built to honor Emperor Madrianus, who visited Amman in the year 130 AD, and it was used for theatrical and singing performances due to the quality of its sound system without technological devices.

Why was the Roman Theater in Amman given this name?

The Roman Theater in Amman has been given many names, including the Pharaoh’s Staircase, the Roman Stadium, and the Solomon Stadium. It is located at the foot of Mount Al-Joufah and was built to commemorate the visit of Emperor Adrianus to Amman. The amphitheater was also built between the years 138 and 161, during the reign of Caesar Antoninus Pius, which has a capacity of approximately 10 Thousands of spectators.

How old is the Roman amphitheater?

The Forum Square is located next to the amphitheater. Their combined area is 7,600 square metres. Its construction probably dates back to the second century AD, especially between the years 138 and 161. The Roman amphitheater was used for theatrical and singing performances due to the quality of its sound system, which is used to this day in artistic performances. Because of this quality.

Who built the Roman theatre?

The Roman Theater is located in the eastern part of Amman, specifically at the foot of Mount Al-Joufah opposite the Citadel Mountain, which summarizes the history of the city, which was built by the Ammonites 3,000 years ago. The Greek writing on one of the column platforms indicates that this theater was built in honor of Emperor Adrianus, who visited Amman. The year 130 AD.

How many Roman amphitheatres?

About 230 Roman amphitheaters have been found throughout the Roman Empire, with the first dating back to the Republic period, but they became massive during the Empire.

What did the Roman theater buildings look like?

Roman theaters and amphitheaters represented two different types of built facilities. The Roman theater was built in the form of a semicircle, and was often roofed, while the amphitheaters were often oval in shape, and designed to suit the number of attendees watching the various theater activities. Roman theaters derived their basic design. From the Theater of Pompeii, it is the first permanent and fixed Roman theater that was built of square stones. 

In the end, we presented the most important information about the Roman Theater in Amman, which is considered one of the most touristic places that is filled with many visitors to see the archaeological monuments located there, in addition to attending the enjoyable musical performances that take place in the theater.