Iraq al-Amir
A Hellenistic building of enormous stone blocks west of Amman, carved with lions and panthers.
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Qasr al-Abd stands in a valley west of Amman, a building of the second century BC made from some of the largest stone blocks used anywhere in the ancient Levant, some over six metres long, with lions and panthers carved in relief on the upper courses. Its purpose is argued: palace, temple or mausoleum for the Tobiad family who held the area. Caves cut into the cliff nearby carry an Aramaic inscription with the family name.
What you actually see
- The great blocks - stones over six metres long in the building's walls.
- The carved animals - lions and panthers in relief on the upper courses.
- The disputed purpose - a building read variously as palace, temple or tomb.
- The Tobiad caves - the rock-cut chambers with the Aramaic inscription.
When to go
March to May and October to November are the comfortable months. Summer in the valley is hot. The site keeps daytime hours.
Honest expectations
The building was reassembled from collapse and much of what stands is anastylosis. There is little shade. Interpretation is limited.
Nearby
Amman is east, and the Cave of the Seven Sleepers is southeast.
What to pack for Iraq al-Amir
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
