Amman is situated on the banks of the Ez-Zarqa River, in the northwestern region of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Within the city's limits, you'll find seven hills, leading to the saying that Amman has not just one, but seven centers. The city is approximately 35 km from the Dead Sea and 110 km from the Mediterranean Sea. Amman's population stands at around 2 million people.
The city's origins trace back to the 7th century when it was known as Rabbat Ammon. Over the centuries, it saw the influence and control of various powers, including the Romans, Arabs, and Turks, each vying for dominance.
During the Hellenistic-Roman era, it adopted the name Philadelphia. In the early 16th century, Amman became part of the Ottoman Empire, where it remained until the First World War. It wasn't until 1946 that it became the capital of the newly established Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Another name associated with the city is the White City, owing to the prevalent use of white limestone in its buildings. Presently, Amman upholds a reverence for the monarchy, with portraits of King Hussein and his successors adorning many street poles and intersections, which might initially surprise some tourists.
