The so-called Temple of Hercules (AD 162–166) dominates Amman’s Citadel. These days, archaeologists prefer to call it the Great Temple of Amman, since its dedication remains uncertain. Only six Corinthian columns stand reconstructed today. The rest lie as fragmented drums, their dowel holes revealing Roman engineering techniques. A colossal marble statue once graced the site. All that survives is a weathered elbow and fingers, suggesting a figure over 13 metres tall, likely toppled in the 8th-century earthquake. The temple’s platform doubles as Amman’s premier viewpoint, framing the modern city against the 150-metre Jordanian flag. Excavations nearby expose layers of civilisation: Umayyad palaces, Byzantine churches, and Roman baths intertwine with older Bronze Age ruins. Though the Hercules name persists thanks to the sculptural remnant, archaeologists emphasise the temple’s civic importance. Its sheer scale reflects Amman’s status as a regional hub. Guides prove invaluable for deciphering 9,000 years of history compressed into a single hilltop.

The Spanish province of Andalusia is among the top global olive oil producing regions. Consider joining a workshop or tasting centring around the oil, and learn about olive cultivation, plus take your pick of aroma and flavour profile. Some local providers include: The Olive Oil Workshop www.theoliveoilworkshop.com alexis@theoliveoilworkshop.com +34 687 224 928 Pure Andalusia www.pureandalusia.com info@pureandalusia.com +34 637 531 002

Take a self-guided tour into Arizona’s rich Native past. As the epicenter of Southwestern prehistoric cultures, the overall Rim Country served as home to probably 1,000 different sites. The Shoofly ruins themselves were occupied between 1000 and 1250 A.D. There were once 79 structures with a large building at its center that housed 26 rooms averaging 37.4 sq. meters each. Visiting the Ruins brings with it a newfound appreciation for Arizona’s telling history.