Jarash, the site of the ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Gerasa, is the largest and best preserved Roman city outside Italy. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and conquered by the Romans in 63 BC, the city flourished until the mid-eighth century when it was buried by an earthquake thus preserving it under the rubble until the 20th century excavations.
Our guide and driver, the ever cheerful Mustafa at the entrance to Jerash
Arch of Hadrian erected to honor the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian in 129
The unique Oval Plaza (Forum), 110 AD, is emblematic of Jerash
1st century Ionic (Greek) columns of the Oval Plaza …
… compared with the Roman Corinthian columns of the Colonnaded Street
The South Gate, AD 130
The North Gate, 115 AD, very different to the South Gate – the road is narrower here
There were two main streets, one running North South, the other East West
The East West Colonnaded Street
Pedestrian crossing identified by stones laid at right angles
Man hole to access the drain 1.5 meters below the street
Church of the Propylaea, AD 565, once the entrance to the Santury of Artemis
6th century mosaic on the floor of the Church of Saint Cosmas and Damianus
North Theatre, AD 165 was most likely used for government meetings
The Nymphaeum was built in 191AD as an ornamental fountain
Inside Jerash
Sand art, made to order in about a minute
Mustafa took us to the fabulous Green Valley Restaurant for our last meal in Jordan – unlimited bread fresh out of the oven, salads and succulent lamb sealed with dough cooked on the hot stones