“The Romans angled this 6,000-seat theatre into a north-facing hill on purpose, so the sun would stay off the spectators' faces.”
About Roman Theatre
The theatre was built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Antoninus Pius, when Amman flourished as Philadelphia, a city of the Roman Decapolis. Carved into the hillside to seat thousands, it served as the centre of public life. Restored in modern times, it remains in use for concerts and events and houses two small folklore museums in its wings.
Roman Theatre
The Roman Theatre in downtown Amman is the grandest Roman monument in the city, a huge semicircular auditorium of stone seats cut into a hillside, capable of holding around six thousand spectators. Built in the 2nd century AD when Amman was the Roman city of Philadelphia, it still hosts performances today, nearly nineteen centuries after it was raised.
The Roman Theatre in downtown Amman is the grandest Roman monument in the city, a huge semicircular auditorium of stone seats cut into a hillside, capable of holding around six thousand spectators.
Built to Keep the Sun Off
The theatre was deliberately oriented into the north-facing slope of the hill, a clever piece of design that keeps the seated audience shaded from the harsh sun during performances. Its steep tiers rise dramatically from the stage, and the acoustics carry a voice from the orchestra to the highest rows. Flanked by smaller odeon and nymphaeum monuments, it formed the civic heart of Roman Philadelphia.
The Experience
The path goes up the steep stone tiers for a dizzying view down to the stage and across to the Citadel on the opposite hill, testing the acoustics that still carry sound to the top rows. The scale is impressive, and the two small museums of popular tradition and folklore in the side wings add interest. It is the centrepiece of downtown Amman and a striking reminder of the Roman city.
Why It Matters
The Roman Theatre is the most imposing reminder of Amman's Roman past as Philadelphia and a living monument still used for performances. Its clever sun-shaded design and enduring acoustics showcase Roman engineering, and it anchors the historic downtown beneath the Citadel.
The Roman Theatre is the most imposing reminder of Amman's Roman past as Philadelphia and a living monument still used for performances.
Why Visit
Amman's grandest Roman monument, a 6,000-seat hillside theatre with superb acoustics and views to the Citadel, still hosting performances after nearly 1,900 years.
✦ Insider Tips
- 1
Climb to the top rows for views over downtown and the Citadel.
- 2
Test the acoustics from the stage to the highest seats.
- 3
Visit the two small folklore museums in the side wings.
- 4
It is hot in summer; come in the cooler hours.
