Jordan's history spans thousands of years — from the Nabataeans, Romans, Islamic conquest, Ottomans, to the modern Hashemite Kingdom.
Ancient Times and Nabataeans (4000 BC - 106 AD)
Nabataeans built Petra (4th c. BC - 2nd c. AD) — trading capital carved in pink rock. UNESCO and one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. Rome annexed Nabataea 106 AD.
Roman and Byzantine Era (106-636 AD)
Jordan part of Roman Arabia Petraea province. Jerash (UNESCO) — excellently preserved Roman city. Christianity spread — Baptism Site (UNESCO) where Jesus was baptized in Jordan River.
Islamic Conquest and Islamic Eras (636-1517)
Islamic conquest 636 AD. Umayyad, Abbasid, Fatimid, Ayyubid, Mamluk dynasties. Crusader castles at Kerak and Shobak.
Ottoman Era (1517-1918)
400 years Ottoman. Jordan was part of Syria Vilayet. Hejaz Railway (1908) connected Damascus to Medina. Arab Revolt 1916 — Sharif Hussein bin Ali against Ottomans.
British Mandate and Emirate of Transjordan (1921-1946)
Prince Abdullah I (son of Sharif Hussein) founded Emirate of Transjordan 1921 under British Mandate. Independence May 25, 1946 — national day.
Hashemite Kingdom (1946-today)
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. King Abdullah I, Talal, Hussein (1953-1999), Abdullah II since 1999. Wars 1948 and 1967 — Jordan lost West Bank. Peace treaty with Israel 1994. Hosted millions of refugees (Palestinians, Iraqis, Syrians). 11 million inhabitants.