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155-617: The Royal Tank Museum (Arabic: متحف الدبابات الملكي ) is a military museum in Amman , Jordan, was inaugurated on January 29, 2018. Located next to the King Abdullah II Park in Al Muqabalain. The Royal Tank Museum spans an area of approximately 20,000 square meters and houses around 110 tanks and armored vehicles from Jordan , Arab nations, and foreign countries, displayed in chronological order. The collection includes

310-631: A nahiye (subdistrict) center of the kaza of al-Salt in the Karak Sanjak established in 1894. By 1908 Amman contained 800 houses divided between three main quarters, Shapsug, Kabartai and Abzakh, each called after the Circassian groupings which respectively settled there, a number of mosques, open-air markets, shops, bakeries, mills, a textile factory, a post and telegraph office and a government compound ( saraya ). Kurdish settlers formed their own quarter called "al-Akrad" after them, while

465-554: A "harbor of the desert" where Arab Bedouin would take refuge, and that its citadel, which overlooked the town, contained a small mosque. The occupation of the Citadel Hill by the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem is so far based only on interpretations of Crusader sources. William of Tyre writes in his Historia that in 1161 Philip of Milly received the castle of Ahamant, which is seen to refer to Amman, as part of

620-677: A branch of the infantry school. Officer cadets are trained at the Mutah Military University, which was established in the town of Mutah, south of Amman, in the 1980s. A cadet who successfully completes the four-year course is commissioned as a second lieutenant. Advanced courses for officer training are provided at two centres near Amman – the Jordanian Staff College and the War College. Generally, officers from senior captain to lieutenant colonel attend

775-400: A camel-mounted desert mobile force was organized under the command of John Bagot Glubb to maintain security and order. This organization attracted numerous Bedouin volunteers. In 1933, the first mechanized force was formed. This element consisted of three vehicles and 120 men including the camel-mounted desert mobile force. It undertook the responsibility of maintaining security, preventing

930-585: A comprehensive view of early military vehicles and their role in shaping historical events. The museum houses a collection of rare Western and Eastern tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery from World War II , representing both the Allied and Axis powers in the North African and Middle Eastern theaters, where Jordanian forces also played a role. Notable exhibits include the Grant M3 tank, symbolizing

1085-603: A curated selection of exhibits showcasing tanks from World War II, photographed in various locations throughout Jordan. The following list comprises the names of the majority of tanks and armored vehicles on display, most of which were produced in the Soviet Union /Russia, Nazi Germany , Britain, or the United States. Additionally, the list includes vehicles that have been modified, reproduced, or renamed in Jordan and

1240-405: A dialect utilizing the various Jordanian and Palestinian dialects, has been forming. The children of immigrants in the city are also increasingly referring to themselves as "Ammani", unlike much of the first-generation inhabitants who identify more with their respective places of origin. Amman has a mostly Sunni Muslim population, and the city contains numerous mosques . Among the main mosques

1395-579: A major airline in the region. The airline is headquartered in Zahran district . Rubicon Group Holding and Maktoob , two major regional information technology companies, are based in Amman, along with major international corporations such as Hikma Pharmaceuticals , one of the Middle East's largest pharmaceutical companies, and Aramex , the Middle East's largest logistics and transportation company. In

1550-435: A metal structure, woodwork, acoustic insulation, glass, and fiberglass-reinforced concrete. The museum is considered a green building , as it collects water in a large reservoir located beneath it for later reuse.Additionally, solar panels are installed to generate clean electrical energy, and special energy-saving lighting systems based on LED technology illuminate the interior of the museum. The architectural design

1705-601: A model of the first tank conceptualized by Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century, known as Leonardo's fighting vehicle . This model, capable of rotating 360 degrees and designed to carry multiple weapons, was created by Jordanian designer Islam Kharim. Additionally, the exhibition showcases the Al-Hussein tank, developed in Jordan, as well as a statue of a medieval knight in full armor. These displays highlight both historical innovations in warfare and modern Jordanian military advancements. The collection features

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1860-412: A number of American, British, Soviet, and German-made vehicles, with a dedicated hall showcasing local military industries. The museum features both original and restored rare items, illustrating the historical evolution of military vehicles since 1915. The museum's design was created by Jordanian architect Zaid Dawood. It is dedicated to Jordan's military heritage, showcasing vehicles used in Jordan and

2015-586: A number of townspeople from nearby al-Salt and al-Fuheis , seeking to avoid high taxes and conscription or attracted by financial incentives, and traders from Najd and Morocco , had also moved to the town. The city's demographics changed dramatically after the Ottoman government's decision to construct the Hejaz Railway , which linked Damascus and Medina, and facilitated the annual Hajj pilgrimage and trade. Operational in central Transjordan since 1903,

2170-762: A part of its forces from these fronts to the Jordanian front. At 0730 hrs. on 5 June 1967, the Israelis surprised the Arab states with a series of continuous air strikes directed at Arab airfields. As a result, most of the Arab air force was neutralized. Amid the battles in Jerusalem was the Battle of Ammunition Hill ; 71 Jordanian soldiers died. Eventually, the Jordanian Army was driven from East Jerusalem. After

2325-631: A particularly severe earthquake in 747. The Umayyads were overthrown by the Abbasids three years later. Amman's importance declined by the mid-8th century after damage caused by several earthquakes rendered it uninhabitable. Excavations among the collapsed layer of the Umayyad Palace have revealed remains of kilns from the time of the Abbasids (750–969) and the Fatimids (969–1099). In

2480-583: A period of Roman rule that lasted for four centuries. In the northern modern-day Jordan, the Greek cities of Philadelphia (Amman), Gerasa , Gedara , Pella and Arbila joined with other cities in Palestine and Syria ; Scythopolis , Hippos , Capitolias , Canatha and Damascus to form the Decapolis League , a confederation linked by bonds of economic and cultural interest. Philadelphia became

2635-731: A point along a road stretching from Ailah to Damascus that was built by Emperor Trajan in AD 106. This provided an economic boost for the city in a short period of time. Roman rule in Jordan left several ruins across the country, some of which exist in Amman, such as the Temple of Hercules at the Amman Citadel , the Roman Theatre , the Odeon , and the Nymphaeum . The two theaters and

2790-633: A report by Dunia Frontier Consultants, Amman, along with Doha , Qatar and Dubai , United Arab Emirates , are the favored hubs for multinational corporations operating in the Middle East and North Africa region. In FDI magazine, Amman was chosen as the Middle Eastern city with the most potential to be a leader in foreign direct investment in the region. Furthermore, several of the world's largest investment banks have offices in Amman including Standard Chartered , Société Générale , and Citibank . The population of Amman reached 4,007,526 in 2015;

2945-485: A result of immigration, but also due to the high birthrate in the city. Amman had been abandoned for centuries until hundreds of Circassians settled it in the 19th century. Today, about 40,000 Circassians live in Amman and its vicinity. After Amman became a major hub along the Hejaz Railway in 1914, many Muslim and Christian merchant families from al-Salt immigrated to the city. A large proportion of Amman's inhabitants have Palestinian roots (urban or rural origin), and

3100-656: A state of emergency and started to concentrate its forces in the Sinai desert. In addition to that, Jordan signed a mutual defense agreement with Egypt. Consequently, Israel ordered the full mobilisation of its forces on 25 May 1967. As a result, the Arab Jordan Army was placed on maximum alert. The operational Strengths Of Opposing Forces on the Jordanian Front included: When the military operations were over on both Egyptian and Syrian fronts, Israel redeployed

3255-704: A strategic reserve (1 Royal armoured division with 3 armd, 1 arty, 1 AD brigades). An armoured division has become the core element of a strategic reserve. Each command is controlled by its Field General, but all of the commands are under the King of Jordan's control. Currently Royal Jordanian Army is restructuring its armoured units, Challenger 1 MBTs equipping four battalions will be replaced by 80 Leclerc donated from UAE and 80 upgraded second-hand Italian Centauro 105 mm 8x8 Mobile Gun Systems by two battalions each, 75 German Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles will replace YPR-765s in two infantry battalions, while

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3410-602: A temple, which included an altar containing many human bone fragments. The bones showed evidence of burning, which led to the assumption that the altar functioned as a pyre and used for human sacrifice . Amman is mentioned several times in the Hebrew Bible. According to the biblical narrative, the Ammonite king Hanun allied with Hadadezer , king of Aram-Zobah , against the United Kingdom of Israel . During

3565-538: A three-dimensional panorama depicting the events of the Arab Revolt in the South Jordan Theater, alongside a rare Rolls-Royce Limited military car used by Prince Faisal. Additionally, it includes some of the world's first tanks, invented during World War I, with a particular highlight being a replica of a British Mark I tank, renowned as the first tank used in combat. These exhibits offer visitors

3720-708: A three-dimensional representation of a section of Jerusalem's fortifications , highlighting the Jordanian Armed Forces' defensive efforts against Israeli forces during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War . Among the vehicles displayed is the South African Marmon-Harrington , the first armored vehicle used by the Royal Jordanian Land Forces , along with other armored vehicles like the Canadian Otter and

3875-418: A total of 46 types of tanks, armored vehicles , and other military vehicles, some of which remain in active service while others have been retired. As of 2018, Jordan possesses a diverse inventory of 1,321 tanks, 2,547 armored vehicles, and 461 self-propelled guns, placing it 18th globally in terms of tank strength, 30th in armored vehicle strength, and 15th in self-propelled artillery strength. Additionally,

4030-581: A town around the 5th century AD. It has not been completely excavated. It was influenced by several civilizations including the Romans, Byzantines and Muslims. The site contains some well-preserved mosaic floors, particularly the mosaic floor of the Church of Saint Stephen. Downtown Amman , the city center area (known in Arabic as Al-Balad ), has been dwarfed by the sprawling urban area that surrounds it. Despite

4185-604: A tradition of attending Sandhurst. The late King Hussein graduated from the college in 1952; he was followed by his son, the present ruler King Abdullah in 1981; his daughter Aisha, now head of the Royal Jordanian Army Women's Corps, in 1987; his son Prince Ali in 1994; Crown Prince Hamzeh in 1999 and Prince Hashem, half-brother of King Abdullah, in 2000. In addition, both officers and non-commissioned officers attend specialised courses abroad. The British Government arranges for senior Jordanian officers to attend

4340-475: A whole was dramatically improved after the attack, and no major terrorist attacks have been reported since then. Most recently a wave of Syrian refugees have arrived in the city during the ongoing Syrian Civil War which began in 2011. Amman was a principal destination for refugees for the security and prosperity it offered. During the 2010s, the city has experienced an economic, cultural and urban boom. The large growth in population has significantly increased

4495-420: A year and over $ 1 billion annually. Amman is introducing itself as a business hub. The city's skyline is being continuously transformed through the emergence of new projects. A significant portion of business flowed into Amman following the 2003 Iraq War . Jordan's main airport, Queen Alia International Airport , is located south of Amman and is the hub for the country's national carrier Royal Jordanian ,

4650-563: A year. The average annual rainfall in Amman is around 385 mm (15 in), with great variations between different parts of the city. The western areas receive more than 500 mm (20 in) of rainfall, whereas the eastern areas receive less than 250 mm (10 in). Rainfall primarily occurs between November and April, and periodic droughts are not uncommon. Amman experiences heavy fog on about 120 days each year. The city's diverse weather conditions are heavily influenced by differences in elevation . While snow might accumulate in

4805-465: Is a group of officers qualified militarily and technically working to advise the commander and assist in decision-making, they translate decision of the commander to orders and instructions and they are responsible for monitoring the implementation and size varies Chiefs of Staff of the unit level and the level of formations and at the level of the General Command represents assistant chairman of

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4960-543: Is a predominantly Christian town located to the northwest of the city. A small Armenian Catholic community of around 70 families is present in the city. Ecclesiastical courts for matters of personal status are also located in Amman. A total of 16 historic churches are located in Umm ar-Rasas ruins in Al-Jeezah district; the site is believed to have initially served as Roman fortified military camps which gradually became

5115-512: Is among the most popular locations in the Arab world for multinational corporations to set up their regional offices, alongside Doha and only behind Dubai . Amman has a bus network , including a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that serves the city and connects to neighboring Zarqa . Amman derives its name from the ancient people of the Ammonites , whose capital the city had been since

5270-529: Is divided into twelve administrative divisions, each called a governorate. Amman Governorate divides into nine districts , five of which are divided into sub-districts. The Greater Amman Municipality has 22 areas which are further divided into neighborhoods. The city is administered as the Greater Amman Municipality and covers 22 areas which include: The banking sector is one of the principal foundations of Jordan's economy. Despite

5425-438: Is followed by more advanced training in weaponry and various specialities, such as artillery, communications and engineering, after the recruit is assigned to a permanent unit. Soldiers who qualify for promotion undertake courses at a general NCO school. They may then avail themselves of courses in more specialised centres where there is training in armour, artillery, engineering and logistics. Special Forces personnel are trained in

5580-504: Is inspired by the desert palaces found in the Jordanian Badia , symbolizing the actual power and durability of tanks while reflecting the general form of a tank itself. At the center of the building sits a glass dome from which a Cobra attack helicopter is suspended, representing the transition from Jordan's ancient heritage to the future. Various materials were used in the design of the museum during its construction, including

5735-484: Is known as Black September in Arab history. In September 1970, King Hussein moved to quash an attempt by armed Palestinian insurgents to overthrow his monarchy. The violence resulted in civilian casualties on both sides. Armed conflict lasted until July 1971 ending only when remaining Palestinian insurgents were surrounded in the Ajloun-Jarash mountains, finally surrendered to the Jordan army and were expelled from

5890-760: Is located within the King Abdullah II Gardens, which span approximately 550 dunams in the Al-Muqabalain area of eastern Amman . Specifically, it is situated at the intersection of Al-Sakhra Al-Musharrafah Street and Jamal Badran Street. The building is adjacent to several landmarks, including Jordan Media City , the Jordan Radio and Television Corporation , the Jordan Post Office , the Border Guards Center, and

6045-817: Is managed by a Board of Trustees, which includes organizations such as the Greater Amman Municipality, the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau , the Royal Special Operations , and the Royal Automobile Museum . Since 1977 Jordan had only one military museum dedicated to its military history, the Martyr's Memorial Museum , located in the Sports City of Amman . This museum showcases military vehicles and weapons in chronological order. The Royal Tank Museum

6200-526: Is moderately long, characterized by mild heat and refreshing breezes. However, occasional heatwaves may occur during this period. Spring is brief yet warm, with temperatures reaching highs of 28 °C (82 °F). This season typically commences between April and May, lasting for about a month. Winter usually sets in around the end of November, extending through early to mid-March. During winter, temperatures typically hover around or below 17 °C (63 °F), with sporadic snowfall occurring once or twice

6355-586: Is more modern and serves as the economic center of the city. Approximately one million visitors arrived in Amman in 2018, which made it the 89th most-visited city in the world and the 12th most-visited Arab city. Amman has a relatively fast growing economy and it is ranked as a Beta− global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network . Moreover, it was named one of the Middle East and North Africa's best cities according to economic, labor, environmental, and socio-cultural factors. The city

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6510-516: Is the capital and the largest city of Jordan , and the country's economic, political, and cultural center. With a population of four million as of 2021, Amman is Jordan's primate city and is the largest city in the Levant region, the fifth-largest city in the Arab world , and the tenth-largest metropolitan area in the Middle East . The earliest evidence of settlement in Amman dates to

6665-437: Is the large King Abdullah I Mosque , built between 1982 and 1989. It is capped by a blue mosaic dome beneath which 3,000 Muslims may offer prayer. The Abu Darweesh Mosque, noted for its checkered black-and-white pattern, has an architectural style that is unique to Jordan. The mosque is situated on Jabal Ashrafieh , the highest point in the city. The mosque's interior is marked by light-colored walls and Persian carpets. During

6820-406: Is typified by its mountains . The most important areas in the city are named after the hills or mountains they lie on. The area's elevation ranges from 700 to 1,100 m (2,300 to 3,600 ft). Al-Salt and al-Zarqa are located to the northwest and northeast, respectively, Madaba is located to the west, and al-Karak and Ma'an are to Amman's southwest and southeast, respectively. One of

6975-638: The Al-Faissali army to join his forces in Ma'an. His calls received much attention in the Arab world as several prominent Arab nationalists and other Arab princes joined his campaign; these later formed the embryonic force of the Arab legion. When Prince Abdullah came to power in the Emirate of Transjordan , the Jordanian Armed Forces included: Roles of military formations in Jordan from

7130-610: The Arab-Israeli wars and the Gulf War —the museum provides a detailed account of Jordan's military history. It emphasizes the role of tanks within the Jordanian Armed Forces and Jordan's involvement in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict . Despite this variety, the majority of the tanks on display are of American and British manufacture, reflecting the historical alliance between Jordan and these nations. The Royal Tank Museum

7285-732: The Ayyubid period, leaving it to further research to find the location of the Crusader castle. During the Ayyubid period, the Damascene geographer al-Dimashqi wrote that Amman was part of the province of al-Karak , although "only ruins" remained of the town. During the Mamluk era (late 13th–early 16th centuries), the region of Amman was a part of Wilayat Balqa, the southernmost district of Mamlakat Dimashq (Damascus Province). The capital of

7440-780: The Babylonians and the Achaemenid Persians . Conquest of the Middle East and Central Asia by Alexander the Great firmly consolidated the influence of Hellenistic culture . The Greeks founded new cities in the area of modern-day Jordan, including Umm Qays , Jerash and Amman. Ptolemy II Philadelphus , the Macedonian ruler of Egypt, who occupied and rebuilt the city, named it "Philadelphia" ( Ancient Greek : Φιλαδέλφεια ), evoking "brotherly love" in Greek . The name

7595-483: The British Army , given Jordan's military heritage. The Jordanian military also contributes to UN peacekeeping missions worldwide, having sent contingents to Africa, Afghanistan, Croatia, Bosnia, parts of the former Soviet Union, and even as far as Haiti and East Timor . The Jordanian military has established a regional center of excellence with regards to special forces training, having received training from both

7750-666: The Edomites and Moabites , trade along this route gave the Ammonites considerable revenue. Milcom is named in the Hebrew Bible as the national god of Rabat Amman. Another ancient deity , Moloch , usually associated with the use of children as offerings, is also mentioned in the Bible as a god of the Ammonites, but this is probably a mistake for Milcom. However, excavations by archeologists near Amman Civil Airport uncovered

7905-403: The Great Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire to rid Arab nations of the Turkish rule that had lasted about four centuries. On 21 November 1920, Prince Abdullah Bin Al-Hussien (later King) arrived at Ma'an , where he expressed his resolution to drive out the Turkish forces from Syria . Later, on 5 December 1920, he proclaimed himself as deputy king in Syria and appealed to members of

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8060-541: The Greater Amman Municipality regulations. The buildings are covered with thick white or beige limestone or sandstone. The buildings usually have balconies on each floor, with the exception of the ground floor, which has a front and back yard. Some buildings make use of Mangalore tiles on the roofs or on the roof of covered porches. Hotels, towers and commercial buildings are either covered by stone, plastic or glass. Royal Jordanian Army On 10 June 1916, Sherif Hussien Bin Ali prince of Mecca , officially declared

8215-472: The Hejaz Railway helped to transform Amman from a small village into a major commercial hub in the region. Circassian entrepreneurship, facilitated by the railway, helped to attract investment from merchants from Damascus, Nablus, and Jerusalem, many of whom moved to Amman in the 1900s and 1910s. Amman's first municipal council was established in 1909, and Circassian Ismael Babouk was elected as its mayor. The First and Second Battle of Amman were part of

8370-422: The Kabardian and Abzakh groups in 1880–1892. Until 1900 settlement was concentrated in the valley and slopes of the Amman stream and settlers built mud-brick houses with wooden roofs. The French Dominican priest Marie-Joseph Lagrange commented in 1890 about Amman: "A mosque, the ancient bridges, all that jumbled with the houses of the Circassians gives Amman a remarkable physiognomy". The new village became

8525-452: The M60A3s will be upgraded and remain in service in four battalions supporting mechanized infantry brigades. His Majesty King Abdullah II is the Supreme Commander of the Jordanian Armed Forces. This authority is vested in the king by the Jordanian Constitution of 1952. He exercises the right to appoint and dismiss all members of the High Command of Jordan's Armed forces, and has the authority to exercise command and control over all units of

8680-458: The Middle Eastern theatre of World War I and the Arab Revolt , taking place in 1918. Amman had a strategic location along the Hejaz Railway; its capture by British forces and the Hashemite Arab army facilitated the British advance towards Damascus . The second battle was won by the British, resulting in the establishment of the British Mandate . In 1921, the Hashemite emir and later king Abdullah I designated Amman instead of al-Salt to be

8835-444: The Umayyad caliphs who began their rule in 661 AD, numerous desert castles were established as a means to govern the desert area of modern-day Jordan, several of which are still well-preserved. Amman had already been functioning as an administrative centre. The Umayyads built a large palace on the Amman Citadel hill, known today as the Umayyad Palace . Amman was later destroyed by several earthquakes and natural disasters, including

8990-473: The War of Attrition and concluding with the 1973 war in the Golan Heights , represent an aspect of military history. Among the most notable are the Jordanian Alvis Saladin armoured vehicle, the T-55 tank used by Egypt, Syria and Iraq, and the T-62 tank . The exhibit includes a bisected Jordanian M48 Patton tank , allowing visitors to observe its interior, which contains the remains of soldiers and ammunition that were originally housed within. Additionally,

9145-499: The na'ib as-saltana of Egypt. The increasingly frequent division and sale of the city and lands of Amman to different owners signalled declining revenues coming from Amman, while at the same time, Hisban was restored as the major city of the Balqa in the 15th century. From then until 1878, Amman was an abandoned site periodically used to shelter seasonal farmers who cultivated arable lands in its vicinity and by Bedouin tribes who used its pastures and water. The Ottoman Empire annexed

9300-468: The nymphaeum fountain were built during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius around AD 161. The theatre was the larger venue of the two and had a capacity for 6,000 attendees. It was oriented north and built into the hillside, to protect the audience from the sun. To the northeast of the theatre was a small odeon . Built at roughly the same time as the theatre, the Odeon had 500 seats and is still in use today for music concerts. Archaeologists speculate that

9455-456: The 13th century BC. The Ammonites named it Rabat ʿAmmān (𐤓𐤁𐤕 𐤏𐤌𐤍), with the term Rabat meaning the "Capital" or the "King's Quarters". In the Hebrew Bible , the town is referred to as Rabbaṯ Bənē ʿAmmōn ( רַבַּת בְּנֵי עַמּוֹן ) or simply Rabbā ( רַבָּה ), and it appears in English translations as "Rabbath Ammon". Ptolemy II Philadelphus , the Macedonian ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom who reigned from 283 to 246 BC, renamed

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9610-416: The 1967 war, the army was rearmed. In 1968, the army defended Jordan against Israeli troops that had invaded Jordanian territory in pursuit of Palestinian guerrillas – the Battle of Karameh . Palestinians claim a victory just for resisting Israeli troops; the Jordanians say that they forced the Israelis back; the Israelis say that they pulled back after hitting the Palestinians at which time they were bombed by

9765-441: The 2004 Amman Message conference, edicts from various clergy-members afforded the following schools of thought as garnering collective recognition: Hanafi , Hanbali , Maliki , Shafi'i, Ja'fari, Zahiri, Zaydi, Ibadi , tassawuf-related Sufism , Muwahhidism and Salafism . Amman also has a small Druze community. Large numbers of Christians from throughout Jordan, particularly from al-Salt, have moved to Amman. Nearby Fuheis

9920-429: The 2nd Brigade. The army continued its expansion in numbers and equipment. In 1948, it consisted of two brigades ; two garrisons and four battalions were merged to become six battalions. At this time, the army consisted of an infantry division, an artillery brigade, a mortar battery, an artillery battery, an engineer and signal battalion and a field aid unit. After the announcement of the 1947 UN Partition Plan , and

10075-413: The 40th Armoured Brigade was sent to the Syrian front. Since the major reorganisation of 1977, the Royal Jordanian Army has kept the 5th Armoured Division deployed between the Iraqi border and Ramtha on the Syrian border, the 12th Mechanized Division deployed from Ramtha through Umm Qays to the Zarqa River in a defensive posture that covers both Israel and Syria and the 4th Mechanized Division deployed from

10230-407: The 50th anniversary of the Battle of Karama. The museum's primary objective is to preserve and showcase tanks and armored vehicles from the Jordanian Armed Forces , as well as other military heritage from around the world, for public viewing. Each tank retains its original color and military unit number, with efforts made to restore its interior components. The restoration process was supervised by

10385-415: The 8th millennium BC in 'Ain Ghazal , home to the world's oldest statues of the human form . During the Iron Age , the city was known as Rabat Aman , the capital of the Ammonite Kingdom . In the 3rd century BC, the city was renamed Philadelphia and became one of the ten Greco-Roman cities of the Decapolis . Later, in the 7th century AD, the Rashidun Caliphate renamed the city Amman. Throughout most of

10540-441: The Amman Stock Exchange and is the highest-ranked institution by market capitalization on the exchange. Amman is the 4th most visited Arab city and the ninth highest recipient of international visitor spending. Roughly 1.8 million tourists visited Amman in 2011 and spent over $ 1.3 billion in the city. The expansion of Queen Alia International Airport is an example of the Greater Amman Municipality's heavy investment in

10695-411: The Arab legion west of Al-Nabi Illias and were forced to withdraw to Qalqilia hills. Armour Artillery Aircraft When Kuwait declared its independence from the Commonwealth on 19 June 1961, the Iraqi government announced that Kuwait was an integral part of its national territories. Following the end of Operation Vantage , the Arab league formed the Arab Emergency Force to protect Kuwait with

10850-477: The Battle of Dignity, took place in 1968 between the Jordanian army, alongside Palestinian fedayeen forces, and the Israeli army. A wide array of military equipment was used during the conflict, including Jordanian M47 and M48 Patton tanks. The exhibit also features the M42 Duster , a self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon , as well as anti-aircraft and anti-tank guns, such as the Ordnance QF 25-pounder . Additionally, original Israeli military vehicles destroyed in

11005-422: The Battle of Karama, among other artworks. Additionally, the museum houses a library containing numerous military books and research conducted by its research center. It features specialized halls that narrate events from Jordanian , regional, and global history, offering an educational and engaging experience for visitors through visual and audio technologies. The museum has also published calendars that highlight

11160-550: The British Humber. The hall also includes a depiction of the 1948 Battle of Latrun , located west of Jerusalem. Both scenes showcase Jordanian soldiers in traditional Arab attire, reflecting their preference for not wearing helmets at the time. The collection includes military vehicles that were developed domestically during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as photographic documentation of military personnel, including officers, from that era. Battle of Karameh , also known as

11315-488: The Greater Amman Municipality provided the land for the project, which spans 100,000 square meters. Construction of the Royal Tank Museum in Amman began following the issuance of an official royal decree in 2007. The project took more than ten years to complete and was inaugurated by King Abdullah II of Jordan on January 29, 2018, as part of the kingdom's celebrations marking the centenary of the Arab Revolt and

11470-766: The Islamic era, the city alternated between periods of devastation and periods of relative prosperity. Amman was largely abandoned during the Ottoman period from the 15th century until 1878, when it was resettled by Circassians. The city grew after it was connected to the Hejaz Railway in 1904, leading to the formation of its first municipal council in 1909. Amman witnessed rapid growth after its designation as Transjordan 's capital in 1921, receiving migrations from different Jordanian and Levantine cities, and later several successive waves of refugees: Palestinians in 1948 and 1967; Iraqis in 1990 and 2003; and Syrians since 2011. It

11625-480: The Israelis considered it their most dangerous adversary. However, after 1956, the Jordanian capabilities began to decline. In 1967, they performed worse than in 1948, although the exceptional performance of the 40th Armoured Brigade and a number of Israeli mistakes helped disguise the deterioration somewhat. Thereafter Jordanian capabilities continued to gradually erode.' Volunteers and conscripts receive 14 weeks of basic training in military skills and discipline. This

11780-538: The Joint Chiefs of Staff group Chiefs of Staff, as follows: The Jordanian Army has Four Regional Commands (Northern, Central, Eastern and Southern), Quick Reaction Force Brigade, Special Forces Group and Special Royal Guard Command. The Army have a full range of combat and combat supporting corps, including the Royal Maintenance Corps . Today's Jordanian military ranks are based on those of

11935-542: The Jordanian Armed Forces, as well as film and video materials. It also features oral history recordings , including battle speeches that visitors can hear during their tours of the respective historical periods. A notable artistic collection is displayed, including a panorama of the Arab Revolt and three-dimensional scenes from battles within sections dedicated to Jerusalem, the Royal Armored Corps, and

12090-491: The Jordanian arsenal, followed by the British Centurion, American M47 Patton, American M48 Patton , American M60 , British Chieftain , and British Challenger 1 . The Jordanian Armed Forces have implemented modifications to some of these tanks, enhancing their operational range, increasing payload capacity, and reducing operational costs related to spare parts and repairs. Several countries have contributed to

12245-541: The Jordanian military has acquired various other assets, including wheeled and tracked tank destroyers , artillery pieces, infantry fighting vehicles , and rocket launchers . Notably, the Bofors 40mm was the first anti-aircraft artillery to serve in the Jordanian forces, while the South African Marmon-Herrington was the first armored vehicle. The American M4 Sherman was the first tank in

12400-618: The Jordanian territories in the Al-Rahwa, Hebron sector, and attacked the police station there. After long clashes with a Jordanian unit from the Desert Guards, the Israeli force was forced to withdraw repulsed. On 10 October 1956, an enemy force, estimated at a motorized infantry brigade, supported by medium-range artillery and 10 combat aircraft, attacked the Arab towns of Hubla, Al-Nabi Illias and Azroun. The assaulting troops fought

12555-634: The Jordanians. Daily clashes continued on the Jordanian Front after the 1967 war until the mid-1970s – the War of Attrition . The most famous one was the Battle of Karameh. In 1968, Israeli forces crossed the border and advanced on the town of Karameh. The Jordanian army mobilized and a battle broke out between the Jordanian army and the IDF. The Israeli forces retreated after a heavy bombardment.' September 1970

12710-777: The King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau . This area showcases several armored vehicles, including the Mard and Jawad, as well as the Stallion, which are employed in peacekeeping operations , internal security, and patrol duties. Additionally, the exhibition includes multi-purpose military vehicles such as the Desert Lily, Lynx, and Beast, all of which are four-wheel-drive armored vehicles. The museum's collections encompass an archive of personal and official documents, photographs depicting battles and members of

12865-665: The Middle East, as well as a considerable number of other weapons, including cannons, transport vehicles, support vehicles, military motorcycles, and others. United Kingdom Jordan Jordan Jordan Jordan Canada Additionally, the museum features a variety of military vehicles from several countries, including Sweden, Canada, Norway , and Austria . The collection includes tanks, armored vehicles, and other military equipment. Amman Amman ( UK : / ə ˈ m ɑː n / ə- MAHN , US : / ɑː ˈ m ɑː n / ah- MAHN ; Arabic : عَمَّان , romanized :  ʿAmmān , pronounced [ʕaˈmːaːn] )

13020-740: The Northern command, the Central Command, the Eastern Command and the Southern Command. As of August 2004, the army was reported to be 88,000 strong, and the Northern Command is reported to consist of (2 mech, 1 infantry, 1 artillery, 1 AD brigade), the Southern Command (1 armd, 1 infantry brigade), the Central Command (1 mech, 1 lt. inf, 1 arty, 1 AD brigade), the Eastern Command (2 mech, 1 arty, 1 AD brigade), and

13175-691: The Ottoman Empire, which had moved large numbers of them into its province of Syria . The Ottoman authorities directed the Circassians , who were mainly of peasant stock, to settle in Amman, and distributed arable land among them. Their settlement was a partial manifestation of the Ottoman statesman Kamil Pasha 's project, which did not materialize, to establish the Amman Province ( vilayet ) which, along with other sites in its vicinity, would become Circassian-populated townships guaranteeing

13330-555: The PLO in 1971, and the latter were expelled to Lebanon . The first wave of Iraqi refugees settled in the city after the 1991 Gulf War , with a second wave occurring in the aftermath of the 2003 invasion of Iraq . On 9 November 2005, Al-Qaeda under Abu Musab al-Zarqawi 's leadership launched coordinated explosions in three hotel lobbies in Amman, resulting in 60 deaths and 115 injured. The bombings, which targeted civilians, caused widespread outrage among Jordanians. Jordan's security as

13485-525: The Royal Armored Corps from the 1950s and 1960s overlap, leading visitors to the Hall of the Battle of Karama. Following this, the area covering the Arab-Israeli wars is presented, culminating in the heart of the museum, represented by the Hall of King Abdullah II, which features the distinctive Cobra helicopter suspended from the museum's glass dome. Adjacent to this space are additional halls, including

13640-543: The Royal Tank Museum by providing tanks, armored vehicles, and supporting machinery. The Czech Republic and France have engaged in exchanges of tanks with Jordan, while nations such as Albania , Spain, Switzerland, South Africa, Syria , and Azerbaijan have donated tanks, some of which have participated in various conflicts. Israeli media reported that Israel gifted the museum a Merkava tank; however, Jordanian official sources denied these claims. Jordan's strong diplomatic relations with various governments have facilitated

13795-515: The South Amman Police Directorate. It is also located just 5 kilometers south of the city center . Access to the museum can be achieved via public transportation, specifically through bus line 103, as well as neighboring routes 144 and 145; however, a supplementary means of transport may be required. Photography is permitted within the museum, and entry requires a ticket priced between 2 to 5 Jordanian dinars, depending on

13950-685: The Staff College, where they can earn a BA degree in military science, while more senior officers study at the War College, where a master's degree is offered. Many Jordanian officers study abroad – at the US Army General Staff College, or at the British Army Staff College, and many Jordanian cadets have graduated from the UK's Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. Members of the Jordanian royal family have

14105-530: The United Kingdom and the United States. Jordanian Special Forces have trained counterparts from Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen. Kenneth Pollack, a U.S. military analyst, wrote in c.2002 that 'from 1948 to 1956, the Arab Legion was far superior to any of the other Arab militaries. In battle, it generally gave as good as it got, and

14260-909: The United Kingdom, Belgium, Poland, the Czech Republic, Russia, Slovakia, Switzerland, China, France, Finland, Canada, India, the Netherlands, and the United States. Several international tank museums, including the Tank Museum in Dorset and the Imperial War Museum in London, contributed to the organization of this project. The Royal Tank Museum displays a wide array of weapons used by the Royal Jordanian Army since its establishment in 1920. The collection features

14415-481: The West Bank moved to the city during the 1967 War . By 1970, the population had swelled to an estimated 550,000. A further 200,000 Palestinians arrived after their expulsion from Kuwait during the 1991 Gulf War . Several large Palestinian refugee camps exist around the center of Amman. Because Amman lacks a deep-rooted native population, the city does not have a distinct Arabic dialect , although recently such

14570-530: The Zarqa River, north of As-Salt to the Dead Sea facing Israel. The 3rd Armoured Division acts as both the strategic reserve and the main protection against any internal disturbances. It has units deployed at Zarqa in the north; near the capital Amman (along with a brigade of Royal Guards made up of hand-picked troops from Bedouin tribes known for their long-standing loyalty to the crown), and at Qatraneh in

14725-578: The acquisition of a diverse and rare collection of military vehicles, many of which served in NATO forces, while others were part of the Warsaw Pact . The museum features a wide range of exhibits that encompass various time periods and conflicts, dividing its display halls into sections that guide visitors through different military histories. In addition to showcasing weapons from regional and global conflicts—ranging from World War I and World War II to

14880-538: The approaches from Jenin , in the north to Afula and from Al-Majame'a bridge on the Jordan River to Bissan and from there to Afula . Units of the Arab Legion were engaged in several battles with the Jewish forces including the following: King Hussein spared no pains at all to improve the army in terms of cadre and equipment, and in the early 1956 dismissed Glubb and Arab commanders assumed leadership posts in

15035-611: The armed forces. The Headquarters of Jordan's military is called the Armed Forces General Command and is located in Amman. This headquarters is under the supervision of the Chief of the General Staff, who is appointed by the king. He exercises general responsibility for the day to day command, control and administration of the military and reports directly to the king as Supreme Commander. Chiefs of Staff

15190-680: The army, most notably Habis Al-Majali . In 1957, King Hussein ordered the establishment of the 4th infantry brigade and another of field artillery. In 1958, the heavy artillery was entered, In the same year, the Armoured Brigade was reorganized as an Armoured Division and, in 1961, it became the Armour Corps. During this period, the 40th Armoured Brigade , 60th Armoured Brigade and the Royal Guard Brigade were established. On 11 September, an Israeli force infiltrated

15345-490: The battle and later towed to Amman are on display, including the British Centurion tank and the American Super Sherman tank. The hall also includes a detailed three-dimensional battle plan of the conflict, which unfolded along a 40-kilometer front. The tanks and armoured vehicles employed by the Jordanian army, along with other Arab armies, in the Arab-Israeli wars , commencing with the 1967 war , through

15500-634: The beginning of American aid to Britain during the Battle of El Alamein , and German tanks and tank destroyers like the Panther , Panzer IV , and Hetzer , many of which belonged to the Afrika Korps and are displayed in desert camouflage. The collection also features British tanks such as the Churchill and Crusader , alongside armored vehicles like the T17 Staghound , M8 Greyhound , and

15655-602: The busts depicted two-headed characters, the significance of which is not clear. In the 13th century BC, Amman was the capital of the Ammonite Kingdom , and became known as "Rabat Amman". Rabat Amman provided several natural resources to the region, including sandstone and limestone, along with a productive agricultural sector that made it a vital location along the King's Highway , the ancient trade route connecting Egypt with Mesopotamia , Syria and Anatolia . As with

15810-506: The capital of Balqa was transferred from Hisban to Amman, which was considered a madina (city). In 1357, Emir Sirghitmish bought Amman in its entirety, most likely to use revenues from the city to help fund the Madrasa of Sirghitmish , which he built in Cairo that same year. After his purchase of the city, Sirghitmish transferred the courts, administrative bureaucracy, markets and most of

15965-635: The capital of the newly created state, the Emirate of Transjordan , which became the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1950. Its function as the capital of the country attracted immigrants from different Levantine areas, particularly from al-Salt, a nearby city that had been the largest urban settlement east of the Jordan River at the time. The early settlers who came from Palestine were overwhelmingly from Nablus , from which many of al-Salt's inhabitants had originated. They were joined by other immigrants from Damascus. Amman later attracted people from

16120-424: The changes, much remains of its old character. Jabal Amman is a tourist attraction in old Amman, where the city's largest souks, museums, ancient constructions, monuments, and cultural sites are found. Jabal Amman also contains the famous Rainbow Street and the cultural Souk Jara market. Residential buildings are limited to four stories above street level and if possible another four stories below, according to

16275-539: The city "Philadelphia" ( Ancient Greek : Φιλαδέλφεια ; literally: " brotherly love "), after himself, after occupying it. By the Islamic era, the Rashidun Caliphate restored its ancient semitic name and called it Amman in the 7th century AD. The Neolithic site of ʿAin Ghazal today lies in the outskirts of Amman. At its height, around 7000 BC (9000 years ago), it had an area of 15 hectares (37 acres) and

16430-471: The city contains about 42% of Jordan's entire population. It has a land area of 1,680 km (648.7 sq mi) which yields a population density of about 2,380 inhabitants per square kilometer (6,200/sq mi). The population of Amman has risen exponentially with the successive waves of immigrants and refugees arriving throughout the 20th century. From a population of roughly 1,000 in 1890, Amman grew to around 1,000,000 inhabitants in 1990, primarily as

16585-565: The city for economic opportunities before the 1948 war . Many of the immigrants from al-Salt from that time were originally from Nablus . The 1948 war caused an exodus of urban Muslim and Christian Palestinian refugees, mostly from Jaffa , Ramla and Lydda , to Amman, whose population swelled to 110,000. With Jordan's capture of the West Bank during the war, many Palestinians from that area steadily migrated to Amman between 1950 and 1966, before another mass wave of Palestinian refugees from

16740-440: The city's infrastructure. The recent construction of a public transportation system and a national railway, and the expansion of roads, are intended to ease the traffic generated by the millions of annual visitors to the city. Amman, and Jordan in general, is the Middle East's hub for medical tourism . Jordan receives the most medical tourists in the region and the fifth highest in the world. Amman receives 250,000 foreign patients

16895-671: The collection include the Soviet Iosif Stalin III, BMP-1 , PT-76 , T-34, T-54, T-64 , and T-72 tanks, as well as the American M22 Locust and M41 tanks, along with the M36 and M50 Ontos tank destroyers. Additionally, the British Chieftain , Conqueror , and Comet tanks are prominently featured. The museum features a section dedicated to Jordanian local military industries , developed by

17050-563: The country.' In October 1970, the Ba'athist regime in neighboring Syria had attempted to intervene in support of the Palestinians by sending an armoured column into the north of Jordan. Jordanian ground and air forces were able to halt this advance and a combination of international political pressure and discord within the Syrian military led to a Syrian retreat. In the 1973 Yom Kippur War ,

17205-408: The cutaway tank and support and reinforcement sections. Visitors then proceed to the battle tank halls and the international hall, concluding with the local military industries hall affiliated with the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau . This floor also houses service areas, such as a gift shop displaying locally made souvenirs. The floor includes service and administrative areas, housing

17360-536: The damage brought by a major earthquake that hit the region in the year 362. Qasr al-Abd is believed to have been built by Hyrcanus of Jerusalem, who was the head of the powerful Jewish Tobiad family. Shortly after he began the construction of that large building, in c.  170 -168 BC, upon returning from a military campaign in Egypt, Antiochus IV conquered Jerusalem , ransacked the Second Temple where

17515-675: The disclosure of the British decision to leave Palestine on 15 May 1948, both warring sides (the Arabs and the Jews) began to make their military preparations for a forthcoming confrontation they believed would be inevitable. In May 1948, the Arab countries decided to send their forces to assist the Palestinians. The Arab Legion entered Palestine with other Arab Forces on 15 May 1948 using the Allenby (King Hussein) bridge as they were advancing to cover

17670-403: The display features the tank's engine and a selection of different types of shells used in various tank models. The document outlines the auxiliary services provided by tanks, detailing the associated management structures and the training programs established for the use of auxiliary weapons. Furthermore, it presents a conceptual model of the battlefield operations room. The exhibit illustrates

17825-480: The district in the first half of the 14th century was the minor administrative post of Hisban , which had a considerably smaller garrison than the other administrative centers in Transjordan, namely Ajlun and al-Karak. In 1321, the geographer Abu'l Fida , recorded that Amman was "a very ancient town" with fertile soil and surrounded by agricultural fields. For unclear, though likely financial reasons, in 1356,

17980-553: The excavations started, around 600 meters (2,000 feet) of road ran through the site. Despite the damage brought by urban expansion, the remains of ʿAin Ghazal provided a wealth of information. ʿAin Ghazal is well known for a set of small human statues found in 1983, when local archeologists stumbled upon the edge of a large pit containing them. These statues are human figures made with white plaster, with painted eyes. Thirty-two figures were found in two caches, fifteen of them full figures, fifteen busts, and two fragmentary heads. Three of

18135-415: The formation of five infantry brigades. The army was divided into two fronts: Western front and Eastern front, ten infantry battalions were concentrated on both fronts. In 1967, a new armoured brigade was established. The artillery brigade was recognized to have consisted of three field artillery battalions and an anti-aircraft battalion. Believing that Israel was a becoming more of a threat, Egypt declared

18290-550: The foundation of the emirate until the 1948 Arab–Israeli War : This army started with an infantry company, cavalry company, machine guns unit , signal section and military band. In 1923, the total strength of the army, which was under the command of British Captain Frederick Gerard Peake , did not exceed 750 men. During 1930, the Arab Legion 's strength was expanded to approximately 1,100. In 1931,

18445-445: The ground floor. The museum is divided into several sections, organized chronologically along two main axes: the first highlights the development of tank usage within the Jordanian Armed Forces, while the second traces the global evolution of tanks. This layout allows visitors to explore both the national and international history of tanks, reflecting in Jordan's military history and their broader global context. The exhibition features

18600-525: The higher-altitude western and northern regions of Amman (with an average altitude of 1,000 m or 3,300 ft above sea level), the city center (at an elevation of 700 m or 2,300 ft) might experience rainfall simultaneously. This variation in elevation leads to extreme microclimates within Amman, with each district having its own distinct weather patterns. Amman is governed by a 41-member city council elected in four-year term direct elections. All Jordanian citizens above 18 years old are eligible to vote in

18755-505: The history of tanks. A portion of the construction and operational costs was covered through donations. This museum is the second of its kind in the Middle East; Israel opened a tank and armored vehicle museum in Latrun in 1982, following its occupation of the West Bank in the 1967 war , which had been under Jordanian administration prior to that. Most other tank museums worldwide are located in countries such as Germany, Spain, Australia,

18910-660: The iconic M4 Sherman , the most mass-produced tank of the era. Soviet contributions to the war are represented by tanks like the T-34 and the SU-100 tank destroyer, which played crucial roles in the Eastern Front . These Soviet tanks are part of a three-dimensional scene depicting key battles in Stalingrad and Berlin, providing visitors with an immersive experience of the war's major turning points. The exhibit features

19065-415: The inhabitants of Hisban to Amman. Moreover, he financed new building works in the city. Ownership of Amman following Sirghitmish's death in 1358 passed to successive generations of his descendants until 1395, when his descendants sold it to Emir Baydamur al-Khwarazmi, the na'ib as-saltana (viceroy) of Damascus. Afterward, part of Amman's cultivable lands were sold to Emir Sudun al-Shaykhuni (died 1396),

19220-565: The late 9th century, Amman was noted as the "capital" of the Balqa by geographer al-Yaqubi . Likewise, in 985, the Jerusalemite historian al-Muqaddasi described Amman as the capital of Balqa, and that it was a town in the desert fringe of Syria surrounded by villages and cornfields and was a regional source of lambs, grain and honey. Its inhabitants he reports, at the time, were Shia Muslims . Furthermore, al-Muqaddasi describes Amman as

19375-545: The lordship of Oultrejordain . In 1166 Philip joined the military order of the Knights Templar , passing on to them a significant part of his fief including the castle of Ahamant or "Haman", as it is named in the deed of confirmation issued by King Amalric . By 1170, Amman was in Ayyubid hands. The remains of a watch tower on Citadel Hill, first attributed to the Crusaders, now are preferentially dated to

19530-426: The municipal elections. However, the mayor is appointed by the king and not through elections. In 1909 a city council was established in Amman by Circassian Ismael Babouk who became the first-ever mayor of the capital, and in 1914 Amman's first city district center was founded. The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) has been investing in making the city a better place, through a number of initiatives. Green Amman 2020

19685-474: The museum's board of trustees and the Jordanian Department of Heritage, with assistance from international specialists. During its first four days of operatioweln, the museum comed over 13,000 visitors, including officials and military attaches from various countries. Since its opening, the museum has also organized educational tours for school students, employing interactive methods to explain

19840-483: The need for new accommodation, and new districts of the city were established at a quick pace. This strained Jordan's scarce water supply and exposed Amman to the dangers of quick expansion without careful municipal planning. Amman is situated on the East Bank Plateau , an upland characterized by three major wadis which run through it. Originally, the city had been built on seven hills . Amman's terrain

19995-413: The offices of the museum's management, staff, and operators. It also encompasses the museum library, a research center and archive, a lecture hall, and a platform for distinguished visitors overlooking the outdoor track designated for military demonstrations involving tanks and armored vehicles. Additionally, there is a section for military-themed electronic games for children, situated between this floor and

20150-415: The only remaining springs in Amman now supplies the Zarqa River with water. Trees found in Amman include Aleppo pine , Mediterranean cypress and Phoenician juniper . Amman features a hot-summer Mediterranean climate ( Köppen : Csa) in its western and northern neighborhoods, while its eastern and southern neighborhoods experience a semi-arid climate (Köppen: BSh/BSk). The summer season in Amman

20305-627: The operational principles of tanks using audiovisual effects and showcases a variety of military vehicles. This includes reconnaissance vehicles, tanks equipped with anti-aircraft weapons, motorized infantry units designed to neutralize enemy strongholds, and support guns used to facilitate breakthroughs. The collection includes tanks from both Eastern and Western countries, acquired through gifts or military exchange programs. The tanks are categorized by their origin, with those from Western NATO countries grouped together and those from Eastern Warsaw Pact countries classified separately. Notable examples in

20460-588: The participation of Saudi Arabia , Egypt , Sudan , Jordan and Tunisia . The Jordanian participation included an infantry battalion reinforced by an anti-aircraft platoon and returned home on 13 December 1963. On 13 November 1966, in response to a Fatah land mine incident two days prior, Israeli forces raided the Palestinian village of Samu (in the Muhafazat of Hebron) with an infantry brigade reinforced by two tank battalions and supported by artillery and combat aircraft. The Jordanian army suffered 16 dead, as well as material damages. In 1965, King Hussein ordered

20615-423: The prophet Jeremiah foresaw the coming destruction and final desolation of the city ( Jeremiah 49:2 ). Several Ammonite ruins across Amman exist, such as Rujm Al-Malfouf and some parts of the Amman Citadel . The ruins of Rujm Al-Malfouf consist of a stone watchtower used to ensure the protection of their capital and several store rooms to the east. The city was later conquered by the Assyrians , followed by

20770-413: The raids among the tribal groups and deterring the raids from the outside. By the eve of World War II, the legion had been expanded to a force of about 1,600 men. This legion took part in operations in Syria during the war. Independent companies were established in addition to a regular battalion, which was later expanded to become the 1st Brigade. In 1942, the 2nd battalion was formed, which later became

20925-475: The re-established city. Jordan gained its independence in 1946 and Amman was designated the country's capital. Amman received many refugees during wartime events in nearby countries, beginning with the 1948 Arab–Israeli War . A second wave arrived after the Six-Day War in 1967. In 1970, Amman was a battlefield during the conflict between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Jordanian Army known as Black September . The Jordanian Army defeated

21080-424: The region of Amman in 1516, but for much of the Ottoman period, al-Salt functioned as the virtual political center of Transjordan. Amman began to be resettled in 1878, when several hundred Muslim Circassians arrived following their expulsion from the North Caucasus by the Russian Empire during the events of the Russo-Circassian War . Between 1878 and 1910, tens of thousands of Circassians became refugees in

21235-414: The region. These exhibits illustrate the impact of wars on Jordan's historical transformations, offering an educational and interactive experience through audiovisual technologies. In addition to its permanent displays, the museum features a demonstration program of tanks and armored vehicles in an outdoor arena. The museum and its grounds cover 100,000 square meters. Construction took nearly ten years, and it

21390-414: The security of the Damascus– Medina highway. The first Circassian settlers, who belonged to the Shapsug dialect group, lived near Amman's Roman theater and incorporated its stones into the houses they built. The English traveller Laurence Oliphant noted in his 1879 visit that most of the original Circassian settlers had left Amman by then, with about 150 remaining. They were joined by Circassians from

21545-454: The seventh century, several bishops and churches were based in the city. In the 630s, the Rashidun Caliphate conquered the region from the Byzantines , beginning the Islamic era in the Levant. Philadelphia was renamed "Amman" by the Muslims and became part of the district of Jund Dimashq . A large part of the population already spoke Arabic , which facilitated integration into the caliphate , as well as several conversions to Islam . Under

21700-499: The south covering the route into Saudi Arabia. In 1996, the Jordanian Army finally established a Special Operations Command, the brain-child of Abdullah (then a serving Army officer). It is tasked to deal with a possible Palestinian uprising and the growth of Islamic terrorism. This powerful force now includes the 71st and 101st Special Force Battalions, the 81st and 91st Paracommando Battalions and both electronic warfare and helicopter support units." The army's organizational structure

21855-403: The southern part of the country, particularly al-Karak and Madaba . The city's population was around 10,000 in the 1930s. The British report from 1933 shows around 1,700 Circassians living in Amman. Yet the community was far from insulated. Local urban and nomadic communities formed alliances with the Circassians, some of which are still present today. This cemented the status of Circassians in

22010-402: The structure was originally covered with a wooden roof to shield the audience from the weather. The Nymphaeum is situated southwest of the Odeon and served as Philadelphia's chief fountain. The Nymphaeum is believed to have contained a 600 square meters (6,500 sq ft) pool which was 3 meters (9.8 ft) deep and was continuously refilled with water. During the late Byzantine period in

22165-414: The treasure of Hyrcanus was kept, and appeared determined to attack Hyrcanus. Upon hearing this, Hyrcanus committed suicide, leaving his palace in Philadelphia uncompleted. The Tobiads fought the Arab Nabateans for twenty years until they lost the city to them. After losing Philadelphia, the Tobiad family disappears from written sources. The Romans conquered much of the Levant in 63 BC, inaugurating

22320-521: The two main demographic groups in the city today are Arabs of Palestinian or Jordanian descent. Other ethnic groups comprise about 2% of the population. There are no official statistics about the proportion of people of Palestinian or Jordanian descent. New arrivals consisting of Jordanians from the north and south of the country and immigrants from Palestine had increased the city's population from 30,000 in 1930 to 60,000 in 1947. About 10,000 Palestinians, mostly from Safed , Haifa and Acre , migrated to

22475-466: The unrest and economic difficulties in the Arab world resulting from the Arab Spring uprisings, Jordan's banking sector maintained its growth in 2014. The sector consists of 25 banks, 15 of which are listed on the Amman Stock Exchange . Amman is the base city for the international Arab Bank , one of the largest financial institutions in the Middle East, serving clients in more than 600 branches in 30 countries on five continents. Arab Bank represents 28% of

22630-402: The visitor experience. This floor is the main level of the building and includes all fourteen halls that comprise the museum's sections. Visitors start at the reception and ticket area, located in the pre-arming zone. This is followed by a space dedicated to the Great Arab Revolt and World War I , succeeded by the area focusing on World War II. Next, the halls for Jerusalem, the Arab Army, and

22785-403: The visitor's age and residency status (children under 12 years of age are admitted free of charge). The museum is open every day except Tuesday and features ample parking for both cars and buses, with facilities accommodating individuals with special needs . The Royal Tank Museum features a futuristic design , consisting of two levels shaped like a square fort with four main pillars. This design

22940-442: The war, Joab , the captain of King David 's army, laid siege to Rabbah, Hanun's royal capital, and destroyed it ( 2 Samuel 12:26–28 , 1 Chronicles 20:1–2 ). David took a great quantity of plunder from the city, including the king's crown, and brought it to his capital, Jerusalem ( 2 Samuel 12:29–31 ). Hanun's brother, Shobi , was made king in his place, and became a loyal vassal of David ( 2 Samuel 17:27 ). Hundreds of years later,

23095-616: Was crafted by the Jordanian firm Zaid Dawood Architects, which also created all multimedia works and graphics within the museum. Design oversight was managed by Sigma Engineering Consultants, and several contracting companies executed the project in phases starting from 2007, including the Central Contracting Company and the Consolidated Contractors Company . The project has received several international awards for its unique design. The exhibition halls are divided into 14 different sections, both temporally and spatially, featuring sound effects , soldier mannequins, and display screens to enhance

23250-416: Was established following a transformation in the quality, size, and specialization of museums in Jordan . The idea for creating the museum dates back to 2002 when it was initially planned to be located in Aqaba , southern Jordan, specifically adjacent to the Port of Aqaba , where many military vehicles were stored. However, the construction site was later moved to the eastern part of the capital, Amman, after

23405-426: Was given as an adulation to his own nickname, Philadelphus. One of the most original monuments in Jordan, and perhaps in the Hellenistic period in the Near East, is the village of Iraq al-Amir in the valley of Wadi Al-Seer , southwest of Amman, which is home to Qasr al-Abd ('Castle of the Slave'). Other nearby ruins include a village, an isolated house and a fountain, all of which are barely visible today due to

23560-410: Was inhabited by ca. 3000 people (four to five times the population of contemporary Jericho ). At that time, the site was a typical aceramic Neolithic village. Its houses were rectangular mud-bricked buildings that included a main square living room, whose walls were made up of lime plaster. The site was discovered in 1974 as construction workers were working on a road crossing the area. By 1982, when

23715-416: Was initially built on seven hills , but now spans over 19 hills combining 22 areas, which are administered by the Greater Amman Municipality . Areas of Amman have gained their names from either the hills ( jabal ) or the valleys ( wadi ) they occupy, such as Jabal al-Luweibdeh and Wadi Abdoun. East Amman is predominantly filled with historic sites that frequently host cultural activities, while West Amman

23870-442: Was initiated in 2014, aiming to turn the city to a green metropolis by 2020. According to official statistics, only 2.5% of Amman is green space . In 2015 GAM and Zain Jordan started operating free-of-charge Wi-Fi services at 15 locations, including Wakalat Street , Rainbow Street , The Hashemite Plaza , Ashrafieh Cultural Complex, Zaha Cultural Center, Al Hussein Cultural Center, Al Hussein Public Parks and others. Jordan

24025-416: Was traditionally based on two armoured divisions and two mechanized divisions. These have been transformed into a lighter, more mobile forces, based largely on a brigade structure and considered more capable of rapid reaction in emergencies. Due to the critical position of Jordan (sandwiched between Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Israel), Jordan maintains a strong defensive army, with four regional commands,

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