Jordan History, Language and Culture
History of Jordan
Jordan sits at the crossroads of the Middle East, a place where ancient civilisations rose, traded and left remarkable legacies. The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times and later became part of powerful empires including the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Romans. Many of Jordan's most famous sites, such as Jerash, with its remarkably preserved colonnaded streets, date from the Roman period, when the region prospered as part of the Decapolis.
Perhaps the most iconic chapter in Jordan's past belongs to the Nabataeans, the Arab trading civilisation that carved the rose-red city of Petra into sandstone cliffs more than 2,000 years ago. Their wealth came from controlling caravan routes that carried spices, incense and silk across Arabia. After the Nabataean kingdom was absorbed into Rome, the region remained an important frontier province.
In the centuries that followed, Jordan witnessed Byzantine rule, the spread of Islam, the rise of the Umayyad Caliphate, and later Ottoman administration. Following the First World War and the end of Ottoman control, the lands east of the River Jordan became the Emirate of Transjordan under British oversight. In 1946, it achieved full independence as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan under King Abdullah I. Today, Jordan is known for its stability, hospitality and rich historical heritage, making it one of the most welcoming destinations in the region.
Did you know?
• The famous Treasury in Petra was not actually a treasury — it was likely a royal tomb.
• Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, sometimes called the "Pompeii of the East".
• The Dead Sea, shared with Israel and the West Bank, is the lowest point on Earth at about 430 metres (1,411 ft) below sea level.
Jordan Culture
Religion in Jordan
Muslim (95%), Christian (4%), Others (1%).
Social Conventions in Jordan
Greetings in Jordan are warm and polite. A handshake is the usual form of greeting between men, often accompanied by a nod or a hand placed lightly over the heart. When greeting women, it is best to wait and see if a handshake is offered, as customs vary; some women prefer a verbal greeting only. Among friends and family, it is common to exchange cheek-to-cheek touches or light kisses, usually starting on the right.
Hospitality is highly valued, and visitors may be offered tea or coffee as a gesture of welcome — accepting at least a small sip is considered polite. Dress should be modest, especially in rural areas and religious sites, where shoulders and knees should be covered. Public displays of affection are generally discouraged.
Tipping is customary but not obligatory. In restaurants, a 10% tip is appreciated if service is not already included. Hotel porters and drivers typically receive small gratuities. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, though rounding up the fare is common.
For photography, always ask permission before photographing people, especially women or those in conservative communities. In religious sites, military areas and government buildings, photography may be restricted or prohibited, so visitors should observe signs and follow instructions. Respect for local customs and traditions is appreciated across the country.
Language in Jordan
Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken. French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken in many tourist areas.
