Jerash

Welcome to Jerash, a magnificent ancient metropolis nestled in the fertile hills of northern Jordan. As we stand at the threshold of this sprawling archaeological wonder, we are about to embark on a journey that spans over two…

We begin our journey at the colossal structure looming before us, the magnificent Arch of Hadrian. Reaching a staggering height of twenty five meters, this golden limestone monument was erected in the year one hundred twenty nine. …

Just past Hadrian's Arch, we arrive at the sprawling, elongated expanse of the Hippodrome. Constructed during the era of the Severan dynasty, toward the end of the second century, this massive arena was the absolute epicenter of…

We now approach the true historical boundary of the ancient city, marked by the imposing South Gate. This magnificent entrance, formed by three distinct stone arches, was the primary point of arrival for the lucrative caravans…

As we emerge from the confines of the South Gate, the city suddenly opens up into one of its most breathtaking and iconic spaces, the spectacular Oval Plaza. Also known as the Forum, this vast, sun-drenched courtyard served as…

Ascending the stone ramp from the plaza, we find ourselves standing before the majestic semi circle of the South Theater. Constructed during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian between the years ninety and ninety two, this is…

Leaving the theater, we climb higher up the hill to reach the commanding heights of the Sanctuary of Zeus. Standing on this elevated podium, we are looking out over more than two thousand years of layered, often violent, history. …

Descending from the heights of the temples, we now step onto the magnificent Cardo Maximus. Stretching for nearly eight hundred meters, this spectacularly paved avenue served as the primary commercial and social artery of the…

Continuing our walk along the Cardo Maximus, we are suddenly confronted by an explosion of architectural exuberance on our left. This is the Nymphaeum, the grand public fountain of Gerasa, constructed in the year one hundred…

We now approach the most sacred and ambitious architectural project in all of Gerasa, the sprawling Sanctuary of Artemis. Artemis was the beloved patron goddess of the city, the deity of the hunt and fertility. …

As our journey through the monumental ruins of Jerash comes to an end, it is worth pausing to reflect on the sheer magnitude of human endeavor that is etched into these stones. We have walked the same rutted pavements as ancient…