Lesser known facts about this inhumane punishment
Exploring the interior of the qusayr ("little castle") reveals a series of eyebrow-raising 8th-century frescoes depicting wine-fueled party scenes and scantily clad women—very risqué for the times.
Looking for a beach holiday in Jordan? Unwind in sunkissed Aqaba on the Red Sea, known for its golden beaches and fantastic watersports facilities. Diving opportunities abound!
Don't miss out on a visit to Madaba and St. George's Church to gaze upon the incredible Madaba Map, part of a 6th-century floor mosaic found within the walls of this early Byzantine place of worship. The map depicts the Holy Land/Jerusalem.
Even the most casual of petrol heads will find something they like among the 70 or so classic cars and motorbikes from the personal collection of King Hussein. We're talking vehicles like this 1949 Buick Roadmaster convertible coupe. The museum is located in Amman.
See also: Incredible holiday destinations in the Middle East
Nestled in the Eastern Desert is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qusayr 'Amra, one of the best-preserved desert buildings of the Umayyads, the region’s first Muslim dynasty.
Jordan is an adventure tourist's paradise, with plenty of walking and hiking opportunities in places like this one, a river canyon which eventually enters the Dead Sea.
Another popular well-being destination is Ma'in Hot Springs, a series of hot mineral springs and waterfalls that tumble and cascade around a purpose-built spa.
Jordan’s largest and most compelling Roman site is the ruined city of Jerash. You can easily spend half a day here absorbing its rich history. The city’s main colonnaded street (pictured) is still paved with its original stones.
Reputedly the original location of the baptism of Jesus, this UNESCO World Heritage Site on the east bank of the Jordan River draws thousands of pilgrims each year.
Taking a dip in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, is a highlight for many traveling through Jordan. This is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water and renowned for its remarkable healing properties.
Perched at the top of Mount Nebo is the Memorial Church of Moses. The location is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land. The church interior features some of the best mosaics in Jordan, dating from around 530 CE.
Amman’s Roman Theater was built around 100 CE and had a capacity for 6,000 attendees. Still in remarkable condition, it remains one of the city’s top historical draws.
Forget about hotels. Instead, camp out in the desert under the magical Milky Way for a truly memorable Arabian night.
One of the Middle East's great cultural institutions, the Jordan Museum holds the country's most important archaeological findings, including the 'Ain Ghazal statues, made between 6000 and 8000 BCE.
The highly endangered Arabian oryx is the prize sighting in this 22 sq km (8.5 sq mi) reserve. Explore as part of a guided group tour for the best chance of seeing this beautiful beast, plus other animals including the Dorcas gazelle and a wealth of birdlife.
If the wide outdoors is your kind of scene, and with it an affinity for the environment, then embark on a long hike through this untamed wilderness of towering sandstone cliffs and deep sheltered valleys that harness a wonderfully diverse ecosystem.
The Arch of Hadrian, built in 129 CE in honor of the visit by Emperor Hadrian, is another extraordinary archaeological feature of the ancient city.
The Siq is the main entrance to Al Khazneh ("The Treasury"), another one of Petra's ancient emblematic buildings. The dim, narrow gorge snakes its way 1.2 km (nearly one mile) to greet its elaborate facade. Just think of Indiana Jones and let imagination do the rest.
Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you should tick off all it has to offer. The Royal Tombs, overlooking the center of Petra, are the most impressive burial places in the region.
Hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice, located above Petra at the top of Jebel Mountain. It was mainly used for the sacrifice of animals to the Nabataean god Dushara. Today, it's the fine views that are the principal offering.
One of the outstanding highlights of Petra is the amazing Ad Deir, or "The Monastery." Carved out of rock, it's one of the most iconic monuments in the country.
Crowning a hill in the capital is the Citadel, the site of ancient Rabbath Ammon and occupied since the Bronze Age.
Petra's famous Al Khazneh is breathtaking at any time, but look what happens after dark! This has to be one of the most magical images of antiquity out there!
Located on the Citadel Hill are the ruins of the Umayyad Palace, which dates back to around 720 CE, and the Temple of Hercules (pictured). Note the remnant of a stone-carved hand, which would have adorned the temple as part of its florid decoration.
One of the Dead Sea Scrolls displayed at the museum.
The 'Ain Ghazal statues are some of the oldest-surviving figurine statues ever made by human civilization.
The destination is also known for its amazing petroglyphs etched into the cave walls and dating back to the 8th century BCE. They depict humans and antelopes.
Regarded for many years as "an oasis of stability" in a turbulent region, Jordan has delighted visitors for centuries, lured by magnificent natural wonders, a welcoming population, and some of the most celebrated ancient monuments on the planet, many of them today UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Additionally, the country's top vacation credentials extend to a number of superb nature reserves, world-class museums, and a number of unique well-being and health tourism destinations.
Intrigued? Browse this gallery and discover the wonders of this ancient land.
Known as the "Valley of the Moon," Wadi Rum is celebrated for its incredible desert landscape, gravity-defying sandstone rock formations, weirdly shaped dunes, and yawning arches.
Enjoy a jaunt through Jordan
Discover the wonders of this ancient land
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Regarded for many years as "an oasis of stability" in a turbulent region, Jordan has delighted visitors for centuries, lured by magnificent natural wonders, a welcoming population, and some of the most celebrated ancient monuments on the planet, many of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Additionally, the country's top vacation credentials extend to many superb nature reserves, world-class museums, and a number of unique well-being and health tourism destinations.
Intrigued? Browse this gallery and discover the wonders of this ancient land.