Her Royal Highness Princess Basma Bint Talal was born in Amman, Jordan, on May 11, 1951, to His Majesty King Talal bin Abdullah and Her Majesty Queen Zein Al Sharaf. Her Royal Highness is the only sister of His Majesty the late King Hussein, and Their Royal Highnesses Prince Mohammed and Prince Al Hassan.

A comprehensive review of the history of Jordan from Ancient times (500 000 BCE) to date. Jordan has been home to some of the oldest and greatest civilizations ranging from the Old Testament Kingdoms, the Age of Rome, the Byzantines, the Islamic and Crusader period, the Ottoman Empire, the Great Arab Revolt and the modern history of Jordan.