Overview:

Jerash is an ancient Roman city in northern Jordan. It is renowned for its extensive ruins, which include a number of magnificent temples, theaters, and colonnaded streets. The city was also known for its great wealth, leading it to be referred to by some as the “Pompeii of the Orient.” Jerash is believed to have been settled as early as the Bronze Age, and its heyday came during the Roman period, when it was a prominent city along the Via Nova Traiana, a road connecting Damascus to the Red Sea port of Aila. Decline came in the form of earthquakes and raids by Bedouin tribes, but much of the impressive architecture remains and can be seen today. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Jordan
Prominent Features:

1. The grand Cardo Maximus, a colonnaded street that served as the city's main axis in the Roman period; 2. The Hippodrome, a large oval-shaped public space used for sports contests and chariot races; 3. The Forum, a large rectangular public square that served as the city's center of economic and political life; 4. The Temple of Artemis, a large temple complex dedicated to the goddess Artemis; 5. The Nymphaeum, a large public monument and fountain; 6. The South Theatre, a large semi-circular theatre used for theatrical performances and other public events; 7. The North Theatre, a smaller semi-circular theatre; 8. The Oval Plaza, a large open-air plaza decorated with marble statues; 9. The Arch of Hadrian, a large archway built to celebrate the emperor Hadrian; 10. The Temple of Zeus, a massive temple dedicated to the Olympian king. This national monument of Jordan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Jerash is an ancient Roman city located in modern-day Jordan. The city dates back to the Bronze Age, as evidenced by artifacts uncovered at the site, and has remains from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Ottoman empires. The city was initially settled by an indigenous people referred to by the Romans as the Arabii. They were pushed out, however, by the Ammonites who established the city of Gerasa in the 8th century BC. However, the Ammonites eventually gave way to the Seleucid Empire and Ptolemaic dynasty in the 3rd century BC. During this period, the city was further developed under the rule of Antigonous the Great. In 63 BC, the city became part of the Roman Empire after it was captured by Pompey the Great. Under the Roman rule, the city was greatly expanded and beautified. It was renamed Antiochia or Diocletiana and served as an important hub for trade and innovation. The city even gained status as a colonia, which was–at the time–the highest level of distinction given to Roman cities. By the Christian era, much of the city's population had converted to Christianity and the city became the episcopal seat of a Christian bishop. During the Islamic period, the area around Jerash became known as the Emirate of Transjordan and the city itself was particularly favored by the Umayyad Caliphs. In 1516, Jerash came under the control of the Ottoman Empire. During the Ottoman period, the city was made part of the wilayet of Damascus and was re-settled by nomads from outside the city. Jerash was eventually returned to Arab rule in 1920 under the British Mandate of Palestine. Since then, the city has become a popular tourist destination, known for its wealth of Roman ruins. You must visit one of these historical places in Jordan on your Jordan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Jerash is the most well-preserved city of the Decapolis, a group of ten ancient Greek cities located in Syria and Palestine. 2. The city was particularly prosperous under Roman rule, and grew to reach a peak population of 30,000 inhabitants around the 2nd century A.D. 3. In 749 AD, an earthquake destroyed much of the city, though it was subsequently rebuilt. 4. Jerash is home to many unique architectural and cultural features dating back to the different periods of the city’s history. 5. The Romans built a gigantic Temple of Zeus and had an impressive amphitheater capable of seating 15,000 people. 6. Roman chariot racing competitions were held at the hippodrome amphitheater. 7. The Jerash archaeological site includes two surviving squares that were an integral part of the city’s street plan: the North and the South Square. 8. The site also includes the Temple of Artemis, the Temple of Athena, the Nymphaeum, and several fine mosaics. 9. Jerash is also home to the unique post-classical musical genre of the Arab Andalusian music. 10. Jerash has been a major artistically and spiritually influential region over the centuries, and is the home of many Eastern Christian religious groups. Visit one of the famous monuments of Jordan with your friends and family.