The Aqaba Archaeological Museum (Arabic: متحف آثار العقبة, romanized: Matḥaf ʾĀthār al-ʿAqaba) is a prominent cultural institution in Aqaba, Jordan, serving as the city’s official archaeological museum. Located in the historical heart of Aqaba, adjacent to the Aqaba Castle (Mamluk Fort) and near the Aqaba Flagpole, the museum is housed in the former palace of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, a key figure in the 1917 Arab Revolt and founder of the Hashemite dynasty. Established in 1989 and officially opened on January 1, 1990, the museum showcases a collection of artifacts spanning from the Chalcolithic period (circa 4000 BCE) to the 12th century CE, reflecting Aqaba’s role as a vital trading port and crossroads of civilizations.
The Aqaba Archaeological Museum was established to preserve and
display the region’s rich archaeological heritage, reflecting Aqaba’s
millennia-long history as a port city. Aqaba, known as Elath in biblical
times and Ayla during the Islamic era, has been a strategic hub since at
least 4000 BCE, as evidenced by the Tall Hujayrat Al-Ghuzlan site, which
revealed early copper production. The city’s location on the Gulf of
Aqaba, connecting trade routes between Asia, Africa, and Europe,
attracted civilizations like the Edomites, Nabataeans, Romans,
Byzantines, Umayyads, Abbasids, Fatimids, Crusaders, Mamluks, and
Ottomans.
The museum’s building, constructed in 1917 as the
palace of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, is historically significant. Sharif
Hussein, leader of the Arab Revolt (1916–1918), used Aqaba as a base
after capturing it from the Ottomans on July 6, 1917, with support from
T.E. Lawrence and Auda Abu Tayi. The palace, built post-World War I,
served as his residence during the establishment of Hashemite rule. In
1979, the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities acquired the
building from the local government, converting it into a museum to house
artifacts excavated from Aqaba and nearby sites, such as Ayla and Tall
Hujayrat Al-Ghuzlan. The museum’s opening in 1990 coincided with
Jordan’s growing emphasis on cultural tourism, later amplified by the
Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) in 2000.
The
museum’s creation reflects Jordan’s commitment to preserving Aqaba’s
heritage, particularly its role as a trading port connecting regions as
distant as China and Morocco. Excavations in the 1980s–2000s, especially
at Tall Hujayrat Al-Ghuzlan, provided significant artifacts, positioning
the museum as a key repository of Aqaba’s archaeological narrative.
The Aqaba Archaeological Museum is housed in a two-story, early
20th-century palace, originally built for Sharif Hussein bin Ali. The
building’s architecture blends Ottoman, Hashemite, and local Bedouin
influences, reflecting Aqaba’s cultural crossroads. Below are the key
architectural features, based on web descriptions and contextual
knowledge:
1. Building Structure
Location: Situated off K.
Hussein Street, adjacent to the Aqaba Castle and near the Great Arab
Revolt Plaza, the museum occupies a prime spot in Aqaba’s historical
district, steps from the Gulf of Aqaba waterfront.
Layout: The
rectangular palace, covering approximately 500–700 square meters,
features a central courtyard surrounded by exhibition rooms. The
courtyard, likely paved with local stone, provides natural light and
ventilation, typical of Ottoman-era residences. The museum comprises
four main exhibition halls, organized chronologically, with additional
storage and administrative spaces.
Facade: The exterior is
constructed from white limestone, common in Aqaba, with pointed arches
and wooden shutters evoking Ottoman aesthetics. The facade is modest,
with minimal ornamentation, reflecting its functional origins as a
residence. A plaque near the entrance notes its historical significance
as Sharif Hussein’s palace.
Interior: The interior rooms feature high
ceilings, tiled floors, and plastered walls, some with faded geometric
patterns from the 1917 construction. Glass display cases and modern
lighting were added in 1990, though some visitors note a “tired” or
“neglected” appearance due to outdated fixtures.
2. Historical
Significance of the Building
Sharif Hussein’s Palace: Built in 1917,
the palace served as a residence and administrative center during the
Arab Revolt. Its proximity to the Aqaba Castle, captured in 1917,
underscores its strategic role. The building’s conversion to a museum in
1990 preserved its Hashemite legacy while repurposing it for cultural
education.
Restoration: Minimal restoration occurred in the 1980s to
adapt the palace for museum use, with further upgrades in 2018–2020 to
improve lighting and signage. The structure retains its original layout,
though some rooms show wear, as noted in 2025 TripAdvisor reviews.
3. Exhibition Spaces
Four Halls: The museum’s four main rooms are
arranged to guide visitors through Aqaba’s history:
Hall 1:
Prehistoric and Bronze Age artifacts, including Chalcolithic pottery
from Tall Hujayrat Al-Ghuzlan.
Hall 2: Nabataean, Roman, and
Byzantine items, such as ceramics and coins.
Hall 3: Islamic
artifacts (Umayyad to Fatimid), including a Quranic inscription and
Chinese celadon.
Hall 4: Mamluk, Ottoman, and Arab Revolt
memorabilia, with coins and documents.
Display Design: Artifacts are
housed in glass cases, with Arabic and English labels, though some are
faded or brief, as per visitor feedback. A multimedia exhibit added in
2020 includes videos on Aqaba’s trade history, but functionality is
inconsistent, per 2025 reviews.
Courtyard: The open courtyard serves
as a resting area, with benches and occasional temporary displays (e.g.,
replica trade goods). Its proximity to the castle allows combined
visits.
The Aqaba Archaeological Museum’s collection spans circa 4000 BCE to
the 12th century CE, showcasing Aqaba’s role as a trading port and
cultural hub. Comprising over 1,000 artifacts, the collection includes
pottery, coins, inscriptions, and other items from local excavations and
international trade. Below are the key exhibits, drawn from web sources
and contextual analysis:
1. Prehistoric and Bronze Age (circa
4000–1200 BCE)
Tall Hujayrat Al-Ghuzlan Artifacts: Excavated in the
2000s, these include Chalcolithic pottery, copper tools, and stone
vessels from a settlement 5 km north of Aqaba, dating to 4000 BCE. The
site’s evidence of copper production highlights Aqaba as one of the
region’s oldest continuous settlements. A replica furnace illustrates
ancient smelting techniques.
Edomite Items: Pottery and seals from
Tell el-Kheleifeh (8th–6th centuries BCE), possibly biblical Elath,
reflect early maritime trade with Egypt and Arabia.
2. Nabataean,
Roman, and Byzantine Periods (1st century BCE–7th century CE)
Nabataean Artifacts: Pottery, jewelry, and statuettes from the 1st
century BCE–1st century CE, linking Aqaba to Petra’s trade network. A
Nabataean lamp with floral motifs is a highlight.
Roman Artifacts:
Coins and glassware from the Provincia Arabia period (106–324 CE), when
Aqaba was a port under Roman Syria. A milestone fragment from the Via
Nova Traiana, inscribed with Emperor Trajan’s name (early 2nd century
CE), marks the road from Syria to the Red Sea.
Byzantine Items:
Ceramics and mosaic fragments from Ayla’s churches (4th–7th centuries
CE), reflecting Christian governance under the Diocese of the Orient.
3. Islamic Periods (7th–12th centuries CE)
Umayyad and Abbasid
Artifacts: Glazed ceramics, steatite vessels, and lustreware from Iraq
and Egypt, excavated at the Ayla Archaeological Site (650–969 CE),
showcase early Islamic trade. A large Quranic inscription, originally
above Ayla’s eastern gate (9th century CE), is a centerpiece,
emphasizing Islamic governance.
Fatimid Coins: Gold dinars from the
10th–11th centuries CE, including rare coins from Segelmasa, Morocco,
highlight Aqaba’s far-reaching trade networks.
Chinese Celadon: A
Northern Chinese vase (circa 10th century CE), likely traded via the
Indian Ocean, underscores Aqaba’s global connections.
4. Mamluk,
Ottoman, and Arab Revolt (13th–20th centuries CE)
Mamluk Artifacts:
Pottery and metalwork from the 13th–16th centuries CE, tied to the Aqaba
Castle’s role as a Hajj caravan stop.
Ottoman Items: Coins, textiles,
and weapons from the 16th–19th centuries CE, reflecting Aqaba’s role in
Red Sea trade under the Vilayet of Hejaz.
Arab Revolt Memorabilia:
Photographs, documents, and rifles from the 1917 capture of Aqaba,
including items linked to Sharif Hussein and T.E. Lawrence. A Hashemite
banner replica commemorates the revolt’s legacy.
5. Notable
Features
Via Nova Traiana Milestone: A rare Roman artifact marking
Aqaba’s role in Trajan’s trade route, with an inscription noting road
construction (114 CE).
Quranic Inscription: A 9th-century stone slab
from Ayla’s gate, showcasing early Islamic calligraphy and governance.
Chinese Vase: A celadon vessel proving Aqaba’s trade with Tang or Song
dynasty China, a highlight for global trade enthusiasts.
Exhibition
Gaps: The collection is “small but interesting,” per TripAdvisor, with
only four halls and some “chaotic” displays. Nabataean and Byzantine
items are underrepresented compared to Islamic artifacts, and English
labels are brief or faded.
The Aqaba Archaeological Museum is a vital repository of Aqaba’s
heritage, with multifaceted importance:
Trade Crossroads:
Artifacts from Iraq, Ethiopia, Egypt, Morocco, and China illustrate
Aqaba’s role as a global trading port, connecting the Silk Road, Indian
Ocean, and Hajj routes. The Chinese celadon and Fatimid coins highlight
its far-reaching networks.
Archaeological Insight: The Tall Hujayrat
Al-Ghuzlan finds (4000 BCE) position Aqaba as one of the region’s oldest
settlements, with copper production predating many Levantine cities. The
museum’s role in preserving these artifacts supports Jordan’s
archaeological narrative.
Hashemite Legacy: Housed in Sharif
Hussein’s palace, the museum ties Aqaba’s history to the 1917 Arab
Revolt, a defining moment in Jordan’s modern identity. Exhibits on the
revolt connect visitors to Hashemite nation-building.
Cultural
Preservation: The museum’s establishment in 1990 reflects Jordan’s
commitment to heritage, complementing sites like Petra and Jerash.
Educational programs, such as guided tours and school workshops, promote
historical awareness, though these are limited, per 2023 sources.
Tourism Role: As part of Aqaba’s cultural offerings, alongside the Aqaba
Castle and Ayla, the museum draws history enthusiasts, though it ranks
lower than marine attractions like Rainbow Reef. Its free or low-cost
entry (1–2 JOD) enhances accessibility.
Compared to Amman’s Jordan
Museum, with its Dead Sea Scrolls, or Petra’s Nabataean Museum, Aqaba’s
museum is smaller and less comprehensive but uniquely focused on
maritime trade and Islamic artifacts. Its proximity to the castle and
Ayla makes it a key stop in Aqaba’s historical circuit.
Visiting the Aqaba Archaeological Museum offers a compact yet
insightful exploration of Aqaba’s past, ideal for history buffs but less
engaging for casual tourists. Here’s what to expect:
Duration of
Visit: A visit takes 30–45 minutes, covering the four exhibition halls
and courtyard. Combining with the Aqaba Castle (adjacent, same ticket)
and Ayla (0.5 km away) creates a 1–2-hour historical itinerary.
Accessibility: Located on K. Hussein Street, near the Great Arab Revolt
Plaza and Flagpole, the museum is a 5-minute walk from the Raghadan
Street Market and Al-Sharif Al-Hussein bin Ali Mosque:
On Foot:
Easily reached from downtown hotels (Nairoukh, DoubleTree) or the
waterfront.
By Taxi/Rideshare: 1–2 JOD (~1.41–2.82 USD) from downtown
or malls (Aqaba Gateway). Use Uber, Careem, or GPS (~G2G2+8X).
By
Public Transport: Shared taxis from Local Mini Station to Petra/Wadi Rum
(near mosque) cost ~0.5 JOD (~0.70 USD). Ask for “Aqaba Fort.”
By
Car: Free street parking near the waterfront or mosque.
Entry
Requirements:
Admission: 1–2 JOD (~1.41–2.82 USD), often included
with Aqaba Castle ticket; free for Jordanian residents or with Jordan
Pass in some cases. Recent reviews (2025) note inconsistent pricing,
with free entry occasionally offered.
Hours: Summer
(April–September): Sunday–Thursday, 08:00–17:00; Friday–Saturday,
10:00–17:00. Winter (October–March): Sunday–Thursday, 08:00–16:00;
Friday–Saturday, 10:00–16:00. Confirm via www.visitjordan.com for
holiday closures.
Highlights:
Quranic Inscription: A
9th-century stone slab from Ayla’s gate, showcasing Islamic calligraphy.
Chinese Celadon Vase: A 10th-century artifact proving Aqaba’s trade with
China, a rare find.
Via Nova Traiana Milestone: A Roman marker (2nd
century CE) linking Aqaba to Trajan’s trade route.
Arab Revolt
Exhibits: Photos and documents from 1917, connecting to Sharif Hussein’s
palace.
Courtyard Ambiance: A quiet space with sea breezes, offering
views of the castle and flagpole.
Atmosphere: Described as “small but
interesting” and “authentic,” the museum has a quiet, reflective vibe,
contrasting with Aqaba’s bustling markets. Its “tired” or “neglected”
appearance, per TripAdvisor, reflects outdated displays and worn
fixtures, though the artifacts’ historical value shines. The guard’s
enthusiasm, despite limited English, adds warmth, as noted in 2025
reviews.
Photography: Permitted, with the Quranic inscription,
celadon vase, and courtyard offering compelling shots. Avoid flash to
protect artifacts. The castle and flagpole provide scenic exterior
backdrops.
Guided Tours: No dedicated on-site guides, but signage in
Arabic and English covers basics, though faded in parts. Local tour
operators (Via Jordan Travel, Flow Travel Jordan) include the museum in
downtown tours (~10–15 JOD/hour), often with Ayla and castle.
Self-guided apps like GPSmyCity offer audio tours. Booking tours in
advance is recommended for groups, per TripAdvisor.
Nearby
Attractions:
Aqaba Castle (adjacent): A 16th-century Mamluk-Ottoman
fort, captured in 1917. Same ticket, 15–30 minutes.
Ayla
Archaeological Site (0.5 km): Umayyad city ruins with a 3rd-century
church. Free, 20–30 minutes.
Raghadan Street Market (0.2 km): A souk
for spices, seafood, and crafts, best in evenings.
Al-Sharif
Al-Hussein bin Ali Mosque (0.2 km): A historic mosque, free entry, dress
modestly.
Souk by the Sea (1 km, Nahdah St.): Friday market with
crafts and music, free, 1–2 hours.
Rainbow Reef (12 km south): A dive
site in Aqaba Marine Park, 15–40 JOD.
Limitations:
Small
Scale: With only four halls, the museum is “not spectacular,” per 2025
reviews, and less impressive than Amman’s Jordan Museum or Petra’s
museum.
Outdated Displays: “Chaotic” and “neglected” exhibits, with
faded labels and poor lighting, detract from the experience, as noted on
TripAdvisor.
Limited Artifacts: Nabataean and Byzantine collections
are sparse compared to Islamic items, and the museum lacks the depth of
larger institutions.
Language Barriers: Brief English labels and
guards’ limited English challenge non-Arabic speakers, requiring prior
research or guides.
Accessibility: Ground-floor rooms are accessible,
but uneven courtyard surfaces and no ramps limit mobility-impaired
visitors. Summer heat (40°C) requires evening visits.
Location: Aqaba Archaeological Museum, K. Hussein St., Aqaba, Jordan
(near Aqaba Castle; GPS: ~G2G2+8X).
Opening Hours: Summer
(April–September): Sunday–Thursday, 08:00–17:00; Friday–Saturday,
10:00–17:00. Winter (October–March): Sunday–Thursday, 08:00–16:00;
Friday–Saturday, 10:00–16:00. Confirm via www.visitjordan.com for
holiday closures.
Admission: 1–2 JOD (~1.41–2.82 USD), often includes
Aqaba Castle; free for Jordanian residents or occasionally with Jordan
Pass.
Getting There:
On Foot: 5-minute walk from Raghadan
Street Market, Al-Sharif Mosque, or Ayla.
By Taxi/Rideshare: 1–2 JOD
from downtown hotels (DoubleTree, Nairoukh) or malls (Aqaba Gateway).
Request “Aqaba Archaeological Museum” or “Aqaba Fort.”
By Public
Transport: Shared taxis from Local Mini Station to Petra/Wadi Rum (near
mosque) cost ~0.5 JOD. Ask for “Aqaba Fort.”
By Car: Free street
parking near the waterfront, mosque, or Flagpole Plaza.
Tips for
Visitors:
Visit early morning (08:00–10:00) or late afternoon
(15:00–17:00) to avoid summer heat (40°C); winter (15–25°C) is ideal.
Read about Aqaba’s trade history (e.g., Via Nova Traiana, Ayla) before
visiting, as signage is brief. Use www.visitjordan.com or Lonely Planet
for context.
Book guided tours (~10–15 JOD) via Via Jordan (+962 3
202 2990) or Flow Travel Jordan for depth, especially for non-Arabic
speakers.
Combine with Aqaba Castle, Ayla, and Raghadan Street Market
for a 2–3-hour itinerary, or add Rainbow Reef (12 km) for a full day.
Dine nearby at Al-Shami or Ali Baba (Raghadan St., 5–10 JOD for mezze,
sayadieh) or grab falafel (1 JOD) from market stalls.
Bring small JOD
notes (1, 5) for entry and market purchases, as change is limited.
Wear sturdy shoes for uneven surfaces and sunscreen for summer; modest
clothing for nearby mosque visits.
Contact: Jordan Tourism Board
(www.visitjordan.com); Aqaba Archaeological Museum via Department of
Antiquities (+962 3 201 9066) or ASEZA (+962 3 209 1000).