Odeon Theater: A Roman Performance Building in Amman
Site at a Glance
- Rating
- 4.5
- Popularity
- Low
- Country
- Jordan
- Primary era
- Classical
- External website
- Open
- Eras represented
- Classical
- Civilizations
- Roman
- Site type
- Entertainment
- Remains
- Odeon
On this page6 sections
History
The Odeon Theater is a Roman odeon, a smaller performance building, in Amman, Jordan, built during the second century CE. It stood on the eastern side of the forum of ancient Philadelphia, the Greco-Roman name for the city at the site of modern Amman. The forum was a central public square for civic, political, commercial, and religious activities. The Odeon formed part of the same urban complex as the large Roman theater immediately to the south.
Construction and Roman Philadelphia
The exact completion date of the Odeon is unknown. It was probably built during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius, who ruled from 138 to 161 CE, and slightly before the neighboring large theater or before that theater underwent its major reconstruction. Its smaller scale suited musical performances, appearances by orators and poets, musical competitions, and meetings rather than the large spectacles associated with a major theater.
Earthquake and restoration
A severe earthquake that struck Amman and other parts of the Levant in 1927 is believed to have destroyed much of the building, particularly its tall facade. Restoration was completed in 1997 as part of wider work on the Odeon, the neighboring Nymphaeum fountain, a monumental fountain or spring shrine, and the surrounding Hashemite Plaza.
The restored building continues to host concerts and poetry events. Its cultural program includes the annual Al-Balad Music Festival, giving the Roman performance space a continuing role in Amman’s public cultural life.
Remains
Semicircular auditorium
The Odeon is a small semicircular Roman theater with space for approximately 500 spectators. Its auditorium contains ten rows of stone benches arranged within the curved seating area. Archaeologists believe that the auditorium had a roof, probably made of wood or created with a temporary fabric structure. Such a covering would have protected performers and spectators from rain, heat, and other weather conditions, but the wooden roof structure has not survived.
Position and present condition
The building stands on the eastern side of the Hashemite Plaza, corresponding to the northeastern side of the Roman forum. The large Roman theater occupies the southern side of the same area. The Odeon remains in relatively good condition, although its present appearance reflects the restoration completed in 1997.
