Roman Nymphaeum

About Roman Nymphaeum

Roman nymphaeum in Amman

The Nymphaeum is a partially preserved Roman public fountain in downtown Amman, at the crossing of Ibn al-Atheer and Quraysh streets, beside the Seil Amman, the stream that ran through the city until it dried up in the twentieth century. It dates from the second century CE, when the city was known as Philadelphia; such monumental fountains were among the most important public buildings of Roman cities, combining water supply with architectural display. The nymphaeum is believed to have held a pool of about 600 square metres and three metres deep, kept constantly full of running water, behind a tall facade of niches, columns and statues. It stands a short walk from the city's other Roman remains: the forum, on the site of today's Hashemite Plaza, the Roman Theatre and the Odeon. The Department of Antiquities is working to restore and present the site properly. It makes a brief stop that rounds off a tour of Roman downtown Amman and shows how the ancient city managed its water.

Where:

Amman, Jordan