Temple of Hercules, Amman

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Next to the Temple of Hercules once stood a colossal statue of a god. Although the specific deity is now unknown, it might well have been Hercules, given that the neighbouring Temple was dedicated to him. Only two fragments of the statue have survived: fingers from the left hand and a knee! These two pieces have enabled archaeologists to estimate that the statue measured 10 metres in height.

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Towering above downtown Amman, the Temple of Hercules is said to have been larger than any temple in the Roman Empire's capital, Rome, measuring 43 by 27 metres. It was completed in 166 AD within the Acropolis of Philadelphia, today's Citadel of Amman. Although much of the structure has disappeared, the base of the temple and a few of its columns have survived. Some of the columns were re-erected in the 1990s and are visible from most of downtown Amman.

Everyone visiting Amman must visit the ruins of the Temple of Hercules. There is an ancient Byzantine Church in the same spot also. And the Roman Amphlitheater ruins. I LOVE history so it was like a dream for me to see the things I've read about.

About 100 meters south of the church is what is thought to have been the Temple of Hercules, today also known as the Great Temple of Amman. The temple was built in the reign of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180 AD) over an ancient temple dedicate to Ammonite god Melkom. Inside the temple there was the statue of Hercules that it was 9 metres high!!! From the left of the temple there was a long stairs that went to the downtown of Amman, near the Roman Theatre. Near the temple there are some ruins of Arabic towors bult with stone stolen from the temple.

Not much left of this temple erected in the 2nd centry under the roman emperor Marc-Aurele. However these 3 columns give a good idea of the temple splendor. At this time a huge marble statue of Hercule was standing there.