Visit Jordan - Ancient Roman City of Jerash

Impressive Temples, Market-places and Byzantine Churches

Aug 14, 2009

Jerash is one of the largest and best preserved Roman sites in the world. See what ancient Rome was really like. Less than an hour's drive from the capital Amman.

This was a rich city, its people used to the luxuries of life, and it existed almost without interruption for one thousand years. Jeresh is a close second to Petra on the list of favourite destinations in Jordan. This is a seriously historic place, with an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. Stone age hand-axes and tools have been found near these ruins, and Iron Age pottery has been excavated within the city walls.

The colonnaded street that runs the length of the city for about a mile is also known as the Cardo. Imagine what it would have been like when the ancient Romans were its citizens. People would have been strollng over the huge paving stones or bumping over them in chariots (the ruts carved by their wheels can still be seen). Or, they might be gossiping and looking for bargains in the shops.

A Roman drainage system lies below the stone paving, and even today, should you get caught in a rainstorm, you will see the original drainage system still works very well.

Two thousand years ago this vast stretch of ruined buildings, towering columns and paved streets was one of favourite cities of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. The magnificent triumphant arch was built to celebrate his visit to Jerash in A,D,129-30 and the entrance into Jerash today is through Hadrian’s Arch. It was originally planned as the main gateway in an impressive wall surrounding the town, but this was never built, and today the Arch stands dramatically alone - the gateway to a beautiful ancient city.

The Forum was the public space in the middle of a Roman city, a very important area where people gathered for political discussions and meetings. A gathering place of great social significance, it was often the scene of diverse activities to do with the concerns of the community. Not altogether unlike municipal halls and such gathering places today. Unfortunately, there are not many municipal halls or buildings that look like a Roman forum.

Jerash is home to one of the greatest temples in the region,The Temple of Artemis, dedicated to the patron goddess of Jerash known and admired across the ancient world after it was built in 386 AD. It has particularly high columns, ten of them, as well as expertly restored stairways and an open-air alter. From the Artemis temple visitors can get a great view of the modern city of Jerash.

These are only a few of the historic treasures to be found at Jerash. Don’t think you can see everything in a couple of hours; you need at least a whole day. Other attractions include two beautifully restored theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, a market, and hilltop temples.

There’s also the Jerash Archaeological Museum which contains a collection of artifacts found during excavation, including coins, statuary and sarcophagi.

Jordan is a fascinating country with an ancient history. People are friendly and it is fairly easy to get around.

The copyright of the article Visit Jordan - Ancient Roman City of Jerash in Historic Tours is owned by Cathy Smith. Permission to republish Visit Jordan - Ancient Roman City of Jerash in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.