Central Amman

Central Amman, known locally as al-Balad,^[1] is the old commercial area of Amman, Jordan.

History

The Balad is the oldest section of the city, being the one that was originally inhabited during the Neolithic period around 6500 B.C.^[2] The seven jabals, or hills, around it were occupied during the same time and formed the perimeter of the young city, most notably the Citadel atop Citadel Hill.

Sites

Downtown Amman is made up of a myriad of souq^[2] markets and independently-owned businesses. The area's long history leaves a large number of historical sites, such as the Citadel, the Umayyad Palace, and the Roman Amphitheater.

See also

• Citadel Hill, Amman
• Amman Roman Amphitheater
• Jabal Amman
• Amman

References

1. ^ "Amman". http://www.visitjordan.com/visitjordan_cms/MajorAttractions/Amman/tabid/64/Default.aspx. Retrieved 2008-06-11. 
2. ^ ^{a b} "Amman on the Hills". http://www.notoiletpaper.com/articles/30/1/Amman-on-the-Hills/Page1.html. Retrieved 2008-06-11.