By Pierre M. Bikai (director of ACOR (American
Center of Oriental Research)) and Mai ShaÕer
Summary
Philadelphia (Amman) was part of the Roman Province of Arabia
which was formed in AD 106 with Bostra as its capital. Evidence
for a Christian community in Philadelphia appears at the beginning
of the 4th century, but it comes through stories of martyrs such
as that of six Christian friends who died during the persecution
of Diocletian in A.D 303. A certain Bishop Kyrios of Philadelphia
attended the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325. There was an increase
in settlements and prosperity during the 6th century due to Emperor
JustinianÕs encouragement of the development of trade routes crossing
the province, the assurance of political security for the Christian
Arab tribes, and the peace that was established with the Persians.
This resulted in the spread of Christianity and the building of
churches throughout Jordan, and it is in that context that a church
adjacent to a cave was built at Darat al-Funun.
An inscription bearing the name of the Roman
god Herakles found at the site has led to speculation as to whether
an earlier monument, perhaps dedicated to that god, existed at
or near this site.
Byzantine churches were often built above Roman temples and at
this site there are many Roman elements, including columns and
inscription. The cave was probably in use before the church was
built and probably had some religious significance since the plan
of the church was dictated by the presence of the cave. Perhaps
it held, or was thought to hold, the tomb of one of the "Amman
martyrs or some other significant person".
