Hussein of Jordan
A member of the Hashemite dynasty, he is regarded as a 40th-generation descendant of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. He led Jordan through four turbulent decades of the Arab–Israeli conflict and the Cold War, transforming it into a stable modern state.
- field
- Monarchy, politics
- nationality
- Jordanian
Lore & Background
Hussein was born in Amman as the eldest child of Talal bin Abdullah and Zein al-Sharaf bint Jamil. He began his schooling in Amman, continuing his education abroad at Victoria College in Alexandria and Harrow School in England. His grandfather, King Abdullah I, focused on his upbringing, assigning him a private tutor and using him as interpreter. Hussein was married four separate times and fathered eleven children. He survived dozens of assassination attempts and plots to overthrow him.
Reader's Guide
Hussein's significance lies in his 46-year reign, during which he balanced pressures from Arab nationalists, Islamists, the Soviet Union, Western countries, and Israel. He led Jordan through the Arab–Israeli conflict and Cold War, transforming it into a stable modern state despite few natural resources and a large Palestinian refugee population. He was revered for pardoning political dissidents and opponents, giving them senior posts in the government.
Did You Know?
- Hussein survived an assassination attempt at age 15 in Jerusalem that killed his grandfather, King Abdullah I.
- He was the region's longest-reigning leader at the time of his death.
- Hussein was a 40th-generation descendant of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Hussein of Jordan's powers and role?
As an absolute monarch, Hussein held supreme executive, legislative, and judicial authority and served as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. In practice he was the final decision-maker on everything from foreign policy and security matters to domestic governance throughout the Cold War and the Arab–Israeli conflicts.
How many assassination attempts did Hussein of Jordan survive?
Throughout his nearly five-decade reign, Hussein survived dozens of documented assassination plots and attacks. His repeated survival of these threats became a defining part of his public image and helped cement his grip on power well into the 1990s.
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