Hercules' Hand — Attraction in Amman

Constructed during the Roman occupation of Amman Citadel by Marcus Aurelius, the temple is larger than any temple in Rome itself.

During the excavation process, only a few clues were found to help scholars solve the mysteries of this massive temple. This huge and mysterious hand was among the clues. From just three gigantic fingers, one elbow, and a scattering of coins, archaeologists have agreed that these marble body parts most likely belonged to a colossal statue of Hercules himself. Therefore, the theory goes, the temple must also have been dedicated to a demigod known for his skills in the Force and far-reaching adventures.

Perhaps during one of the periodic cataclysmic earthquakes in the area, the statue fell to bits, but unlike the temple, everything disappeared except for the hand and elbow. In the words of one guide, “The rest of Hercules has become the worktops of Oman.”

Experts' best guess is that the statue, in its original state, would have reached 40 feet in height, making it among the largest marble...

In other reviews here I've talked of needing to use your imagination. That's doubly true here as all you have is an incomplete hand and an elbow. With this you have to conjure up an image of the once mighty marble statue.

But somehow it's not that hard to do and my but what an imposing statue it must have been towering above its audience. Perhaps it's the heft of the stone or the details of the fingernails which does it but somehow the presence remains. That's...

The Hand of Hercules is perhaps the most iconic feature of the Amman Citadel. It's a small but incredibly impactful part of the site—a giant stone hand and a few fingers that are all that's left of a colossal Roman statue. Standing next to it, you can truly appreciate the incredible scale of Roman engineering and art. It’s an unmissable photo opportunity and a powerful visual element that captures the imagination, leaving you with a lasting impression of...