The Citadel

Citadel is a historical complex that sits on the highest hill in Amman, Jebel Al-Qala'a (just like Rome, Amman is built on seven major hills or 'jebels' in Arabic). This place is like a big, open-air museum that contains artifacts from the Bronze & Iron Age, and some outstanding ruins from the Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad periods.

From the Roman period - the remaining pillars of the Temple of Hercules. The temple was built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius - yup, the very same Roman Emperor whom Russell Crowe used to serve as General to in the 'Gladiator' movie hehe, as mentioned before.

From the Byzantine period - the remains of a Byzantine Church from 6th or 7th century AD. Most of the structure has been destroyed by an earthquake.

From the Umayyad period - the remains of the Umayyad Palace and mosque. Umayyad is the second of four major Arab caliphates established after the death of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.

My favorite spot in this whole complex? This cute little bench, under this cute little tree. Hihi~

Somehow it reminds me of the tree in that Korean tear-jerker movie, My Sassy Girl, where they buried the time capsule tu - yup I know, memang takde kena mengena langsung dengan history di Citadel ini hehe.