Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Roman baths and site uncovered in Amman

Remains discovered during excavation works to install water drainage system

Samuel Osborne
Tuesday 15 December 2020 05:31 EST
Comments
A tourist walks past the Temple of Hercules in Amman
A tourist walks past the Temple of Hercules in Amman (KHALIL MAZRAAWI/AFP via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A Roman archaeological site featuring baths and a crematorium have been uncovered in Jordan’s capital city during excavation works.

The remains were discovered during excavation works to install a water drainage system in downtown Amman, according to Gulf News, which cited local reports.

A second-century tiled Roman baths with heated cellars and a crematorium were found at the site opposite the Roman Amphitheatre.

Local authorities were installing a system to control floods which have damaged shops and architectural sites in the area.

The sites would have been completely submerged by the Amman River from 1964 to 1971, which usually flooded the surrounding areas during winter. However, the river has been completely covered and paved over.

On Monday, Murad Kalaldeh, a professor of architecture and urban planning at Al-Balqa Applied University, stressed that the site should be preserved, arguing all excavations and attempts to remove the bathhouse should stop.

He told Roya News the site is part of history and separating it from its original location would make it "lose its soul”.

Yazid Alayyan, director of the Department of Antiquities, has said the current project will not disturb the archaeological site.

He said the Antiquities Department is checking all infrastructure projects throughout the Kingdom to ensure such sites are protected while the needs for infrastructure goals are met.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in