Yes, Jordan is more than Petra. And, if you have read some of my other posts on what I saw in Jordan, you are aware of that. But when it comes to historical sites of significance, it is worth noting there are important and well-preserved Roman ruins in Jordan, the Hashemite Kingdom. Jerash, in northwestern Jordan, is historically quite important on its own right even if overshadowed by the more famous Petra further south. However, Jerash struck me not only for its historical significance but also because it was alive!
Jerash – the ancient Greco-Roman city
Before I tell you how it is alive, let’s explore the historical and architectural gem Jerash is. Jerash (known as Gerasa in older times) was a city built originally in Greco-Roman times. This is estimated to have been established in the 4th century BC. After a large earthquake in the 8th century and further destruction brought about by other earthquakes and wars, Jerash became a footnote of history. That is, until it was begun to be excavated in the early 19th century and the rise of uncovering Roman ruins in Jordan. Even Emperor Hadrian himself visited Jerash in his days and there is a triumphal arch commemorating that visit. Jerash was not just a backwater outpost.
Arch of Hadrian built to honor his visit
Detail of the Arch of Hadrian
What to see in Jerash: spectacular Roman ruins
Among the many sites in Jerash to explore are the Forum, temples to Zeus and Artemis, the Cardo Maximus, the North and South theaters and many other ruins.
View of the Forum at Jerash
Detail of the colonnade of the Forum
Mosaic floor of one of the 3 contiguous Byzantine churches on the site
Along the Cardo Maximus
The Cardo Maximus is one of the most phenomenal ancient “streets” I have ever walked. It is a column-lined road where the remnants, both standing and fallen, of the many structures that used to line it are still quite present if not alive.
Visitors walking down the Cardo Maximus, the north-south colonnaded street 
Jerash’s ruins did not survive powerful earthquakes and other ravages as this reminds us 
Beautiful columns in the Temple of Artemis
The place is alive
Oh, you think I am talking figuratively, aren’t you?? There is a column in the Temple of Artemis that is actually moving. You can place your hand at its base and you will feel it moving. Yes, indeed! But that is not quite what I mean when I say Jerash is alive…
There were also vegetation around (this being the greener part of Jordan) like the following which also contributes to making Jerash a site that is “alive”. But that’s still not what I mean…
But what I really meant about Jerash being alive was neither of the prior two photos. The day we visited there were several groups of schoolchildren visiting and they enjoyed chanting in the large Roman theater – almost like competing to see who had the best chants – and running up the stands.
Though these ancient ruins were some of the most impressive I have seem, it was great to see a historic place so alive that day – it helped me connect more to the essence of Jordan via its children!
Pin this image to your travel planning board – amazing Roman ruins in Jordan !
Check out these other posts about Jordan:
- Got History? Amman Does!
- Moses Wuz Here; Mt. Nebo, Jordan
- Photo Essay; Colors of Jordan
- Petra, Jordan: History on the Rocks
- Following the Footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia in Jordan’s Wadi Rum
During this trip, I was a guest of the Jordan Tourism Board. That notwithstanding, the stories I share were my real experiences and nothing else. As they always are!
