Amman
 

The early occupation of Amman dates back to the Neolithic period (ca. 6500 BC). Archaeological excavation at Ain Ghazal has shown evidence not only of a settled life then but also the growth of artistic work. Since that time Amman has seen the rise and fall of many civilizations. In the thirteenth century the Ammonites called Amman Rabbath Ammon. Then came the Assyrians Followed by the Persians then the Greeks, who called it Philadelphia.

In the first century BC Philadelphia became under the Roman control and joined the Decapolis, a league of ten cities. In the following centuries, 324 AD, Christianity became the religion of the empire and Philadelphia became the seat of bishopric. This was the start of the Byzantine era.

It got its present name Amman in the Ghasanaian era, and flourished under the Ummayads and the Abbasids. Then the many earthquakes and disasters destroyed it until 1887, which marks the settlement of the Circassians.

On March 2, 1921 Prince Abdullah chose Amman as his seat of government. This date marks the beginning of the modern history of Amman and Jordan. Lack of resources did not discourage people. The chief Minister's office was established in a little building by the stream. Until 1948 Amman remained confined to the two main valley beds. Since then the population has grown steadily as a result of the influx of Palestinian refuges. Residential areas have spread out from the center of the city to the surrounding hills.

In the last two decades Amman has undergone an exceptionally rapid rate of development and witnessed feverish building activities. Its population is estimated at about 1.2 million people.

Amman has two major airports, Queen Alia airport, and Amman Civil Airport.