Jerash

Jerash, Jordan The Roman ruins in Jerash. © René Mattes

32 miles north of Amman, former Gerasa unveils one of the most vivid examples of eastern Roman architecture. Founded at the beginning of the 3rd century BC and integrated into the Hellenic confederation of the Decapolis, the town reached the apex of its glory in the Roman era, under the Severan dynasty (3rd century AD). Among the numerous vestiges of the ancient city the highlights are: the plaza, a sacred esplanade that stands out with its elliptical shape, its decor and stone pavements arranged in a concentric manner and the cardo maximus, a large 2,625 ft avenue with colonnades (where you will still find traces of chariots). As well as these, the ancient market halls that host the town market; the nymphaeum (a monumental fountain); the propylaeum of the temple of Artemis; the North theatre and its splendid portico; the temple of Artemis and its impressive pillars; the South theatre with its fantastic Corinthian style scenery wall; and the temple of Zeus erected on a hill overlooking the city are all excellent sites to visit.