The ancient city of Jerash in Jordan is one of the few cities in the world which can boast an unbroken record of human occupation since 6,500 years ago. The new town here is now built to the east of ancient city with the old and new cities sharing a city wall. Jerash was one of the ten great Roman cities of the Decapolis League and was called Gerasa. It is also one of the best preserved Roman provincial towns in the world.
We based ourselves in Amman, the capital of Jordan, and hired a car to take us to Jerash about 48km to the north. I can see why Jerash is often dubbed “Pompeii of the East” because of its size and level of preservation.
The modern city next to the ancient ruins of Jerash.
The Temple of Hercules.
Domed audience hall of the palace complex which is the most intact of buildings on the site.
Hadrian’s Arch in Jerash was erected to honor the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian and was intended to become the new southern gate of the city.
Temple of Zeus
Temple of Zeus
Oval Plaza surrounded by a colonnade of 1st century Ionic columns.
Oval Plaza of Jerash.
Stage of the Amphitheatre or South Theatre which seats over 3000.
South Theatre spectator stands.
The Cardo of Jerash was once lined with the city’s major buildings, shops, and residences.
Temple of Artemis
The Corinthian columns of the Temple of Artemis.
Corinthian columns.
North Theatre which is an intimate theatre seating 800.
Stairs to the Nymphaeum
The Nymphaeum or monumental fountain of Jerash
