History

Jordan was one of many countries that emerged when the Ottoman Empire collapsed after WWI. However it has hosted some of the oldest civilisations in the world throughout its history, including the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Hittites, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Turks and Crusaders who all traded, built cities and fought their wars there, leaving behind rich cultural influences.

After the war, the newly formed League of Nations gave Britain a Mandate over Palestine, and shortly afterwards the new state of Transjordan was established as a separate entity under King Abdullah.

King Abdullah was assassinated in 1951, and he was succeeded by his 17 year old grandson Hussein. King Hussein managed to stay in power for 48 years until his death in 1999, during which time his reign was plagued by insurrection attempts and major disruptions, two wars with Israel and a virtual civil war with the Palestinians.

When King Hussein finally died, Jordan had become a comparatively stable and prosperous country which was then passed on to his son and nominated Heir King Abdullah II.