From lost biblical cities to the tallest flag in the Middle East: here’s what makes Jordan such an unbelievably cool place
Jordan is like a thousand-page book: the more you flip through it, the more fascinating stories you find hidden between the lines. It’s a country that can surprise even the most seasoned traveler, with a unique blend of ancient history, deeply rooted traditions, and unexpected curiosities.
Here we’ll tell you about 6 things about Jordan you probably had absolutely no idea about. And even if you already knew them, just pretend you didn’t and say “Oooooh” in amazement every time you read one, otherwise we’ll be a little offended, okay?
Come on, enough chit-chat, let’s get started: here’s our epic little article!
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1. The Dead Sea: the lowest point on Earth (and the saltiest!)
Yes, I know, everyone has at least heard of the Dead Sea.
But did you know that it’s basically the planet Earth’s basement?
This lake lies at about 430 meters below sea level. Yes, you read that right: below.
And do you know why?
Because of its unique location and the shape of its drainage basin, over the centuries it has continued to evaporate without its inflowing waters being able to make up for the water loss.
The result?
It’s incredibly salty, seriously salty, with an average salinity of around 23%, far saltier than most seas.
2. Amman: the city that just can’t make up its mind about its name
Jordan’s capital, Amman, is one of those cities that seems to have gone through a bit of an identity crisis.
First it was called Ain Ghazal, then someone apparently thought, “Hmm, that doesn’t sound right,” and renamed it Philadelphia.
No, not Rocky’s Philadelphia, and not the one you spread on crackers either. This Hellenistic name was chosen in honor of a man named Ptolemy Philadelphus (who probably never even set foot in the city).
Eventually they settled on Amman, but who knows: maybe one day they’ll wake up and decide to rename it again.
3. Petra: the city still playing hide-and-seek with archaeologists
Petra, the Nabataean Rose City, is absolutely spectacular, one of the highlights of our 8-day trip to Jordan, and not by chance one of the wonders of the modern world. It’s so famous that you’d imagine scholars must have explored it inside out by now, right?
Well, think again, because as unbelievable as it sounds, only 15% of Petra’s huge maze of tunnels and underground chambers has been explored by archaeologists.
In other words, 85% is still there, hidden, waiting to be discovered. And who knows what incredible things might come to light in the future!
4. The art of refusing (but not too much)
In Jordan, if someone offers you food, you’re supposed to refuse.
That is, not rudely, of course, but according to etiquette, you’re expected to say no three times before accepting.
Why?
We have absolutely no idea, but it generally goes something like this: “Would you like some hummus?” “No, thank you.” “Come on, eat!” “No, really.” “You’re far too skinny, don’t be shy!” “I’m fine, I already ate.” “Come on, just a little taste...” Right, at that point, after refusing three times, you can finally accept and eat to your heart’s content.
Just be careful: if you refuse too many times, you might offend your host. If you accept right away, on the other hand, you may come across as too eager. So yes, it’s a bit of a tricky balancing act.
5. The most show-off flag in the world
In Aqaba, there’s a flag so big it can probably be seen from space.
Okay, not exactly, but not far off.
This giant flag, the largest in the entire Middle East, is flown on a 130-meter-high flagpole!
It’s so huge that it can be seen from Egypt and Israel!
But who put it there, and why?
Well, the flag serves as a kind of memorial to the Great Arab Revolt, an epic rebellion against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. It was as if the Arab peoples looked at each other and said, “You know what? We’ve had just about enough of these Ottomans. How about we take our desert back?” And that’s exactly what they did.
Led by Sharif Hussein bin Ali, the local populations had had enough of centuries of foreign rule and gave the Ottomans a decisive boot. Ever since, Aqaba’s flag has flown to commemorate this important event.
6. The biblical cities that met a bad end
In Jordan, there are the remains of Sodom and Gomorrah. Yes, those very biblical cities where, according to tradition, people were having a little too much fun for the Lord’s taste. As a result, they were wiped off the face of the earth with a generous dose of “divine benevolence.”
Here’s the thing: recently, at the archaeological site of Tall el-Hammam, which dates back more than 4,000 years, remains of a city were found that archaeologists believe may be none other than Sodom itself. Apparently, the city really was destroyed a very long time ago, but scholars think the cause was not God’s moral wrath, but rather a massive earthquake that brought everything down in the blink of an eye.
And Gomorrah?
Well, there’s still no archaeological proof of that one, but with a little more digging in Jordan, who knows, it might turn up too.
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In conclusion
So, Jordan is not just sand and rocks. It’s a country full of surprises, where you can bathe in one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, explore hidden cities of which we still know only a small part, and learn the subtle art of saying “no, thank you” three times.
How would you like to visit it with someone who can show you the country’s most authentic soul?
Take a look at our 8-day itinerary in Jordan, a truly mouthwatering tour. I won’t spoil anything, but as you’ll see for yourself, plenty of unique experiences await you that you simply couldn’t have with anyone else, except with Sto Gran Tour.
Ready? Grab your backpack, pack a swimsuit (for the Dead Sea), a flashlight (for Petra), and plenty of patience (for the food-refusal ritual), and set off for Jordan!
