Philadelphia Archaeological Museum

متحف فيلادلفيا

Located near the Citadel, this museum houses artifacts from the ancient Greek city of Philadelphia (Amman's classical name) and surrounding regions, displaying coins, pottery, and inscriptions. It provides valuable context for understanding how the site evolved through different historical periods.

Things to do

• Examine Greek Coins and Currency — Study the extensive numismatic collection showcasing Seleucid and Ptolemaic coins that reveal Philadelphia's trade networks and economic history.
• View Pottery Displays — Observe well-preserved ceramic vessels and fragments from Hellenistic and Roman periods that illustrate daily life and artistic techniques of ancient residents.
• Read Ancient Inscriptions — Examine stone inscriptions and carved tablets written in Greek that provide epigraphic evidence of religious practices, commerce, and administration.
• Visit the Citadel Adjacent Site — Walk to the nearby Citadel of Amman located just above the museum to see the archaeological layers and fortifications of Philadelphia's acropolis.
• Explore Sculptural Fragments — Inspect marble and limestone sculpture pieces including architectural elements and decorative reliefs from Hellenistic temples and public buildings.
• Study Stratigraphic Context Displays — Learn how archaeologists uncovered different occupational layers revealing Philadelphia's settlement from the Iron Age through the Islamic period.

Food to try

• Hummus at a Traditional Amman Mezze Restaurant — Enjoy creamy chickpea puree with tahini and lemon, a staple Levantine dish served warm with olive oil and pine nuts in restaurants near the Citadel.
• Fattoush Salad — Try a fresh mixed green salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and crispy pieces of fried pita bread dressed with sumac and lemon vinaigrette.
• Grilled Lamb Kebab (Shish Kebab) — Sample skewered seasoned lamb grilled over charcoal and served with rice, vegetables, and yogurt sauce at local Ammani establishments.
• Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolma) — Taste vine leaves filled with spiced rice and sometimes meat, a traditional preparation commonly served cold or warm as an appetizer.
• Kunafa with Clotted Cream — Indulge in the sweet shredded pastry dessert topped with melted cheese and clotted cream, often served warm with honey drizzle.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Code for Sacred Sites — Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, particularly when visiting the adjacent Citadel which contains religious buildings and sensitive areas.
• Respect Photography Restrictions — Ask museum staff before photographing display cases and inscriptions, as some artifacts may have restrictions or require special permission.
• Visit During Cooler Hours — Plan your museum visit for early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat, and allow 1–2 hours for a thorough exploration of the collections.
• Learn Basic Arabic Greetings — Using simple Arabic phrases like 'Marhaba' (hello) and 'Shukran' (thank you) with museum staff and nearby shopkeepers shows respect and enhances your experience.