Home : Complete Site List : Search : What's New? : Permission to Use : Contact Us

Temple of Heracles

Temple of Heracles

One of the most prominent structures on the citadel of Amman is the Temple of Hercules.  This temple was built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, between A.D. 161-166.  The temple podium measures 144 x 92 ft. [44 x 28 m.] and was surrounded by a sacred area (temenos).

This temple was built upon an older, ninth century B.C., temple that was probably dedicated to the Ammonite god Milcom.  Although called the “Temple of Hercules” – Roman coins associate this demi-god with Philadelphia – the identity of the deity worshipped at the temple is not certain.  Indeed one excavator believes that Astarte was worshipped here.