Take a day trip from Amman, the capital of Jordan, to see this stunning ruined city. It’s a must-stop on any Jordan itinerary to comprehensively explore Middle Eastern history and culture, and discover how the past influences the modern day.
Exploring the Roman city of Jerash
The ancient city of Jerash is often overshadowed by Petra, with its famous and much-filmed Treasury. However, Jerash is worth including on a trip through Jordan for anyone fascinated by Roman history or archaeology.
Walk the colonnaded streets, marvel at the grand arches and explore the ancient temples dedicated to Artemis and Zeus. Here’s a quick guide to visiting Jerash.
Jerash, Jordan by Marion Bunnik
The history of Jerash
South Theatre in Jerash, Jordan by Pamela Frisari
Archaeological evidence suggests Jerash was settled in the Bronze Age. Under Roman rule, the city truly flourished. In the first century AD, it became part of a league of ten cities in the Roman Decapolis, places of Greco-Roman culture in eastern Palestine.
Hadrian’s Arch was constructed for Emperor Hadrian’s visit to Jerash in 129-30 AD.
Jerash continued to thrive into the second and third centuries when temples, theatres and public baths were built.
While Jerash declined during the Byzantine era, more churches were built as Christianity became more prevalent. By the 13th century, Jerash was deserted and sand crept in to bury the remains. The Archeological Museum at Jerash provides context and houses artefacts that bring the city’s history to life.
What makes Jerash so special?
Jerash is special because the ruins here date right back to Roman times. No buildings or developments were added over the site by later empires.
The Roman Empire is known for its grandeur, and Jerash is no exception. Visiting Jerash (once known as Gerasa) is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Roman artistry and engineering ingenuity in the Middle East up close, through an immersive guided tour through the ancient city.
Architectural marvels to see in Jerash
Jerash is included on a Jordan pass for anyone travelling independently, or on a group tour with like-minded travellers, for a more seamless and hassle-free experience. Here’s where to begin to explore the Roman city of Jerash.
Hadrian’s Arch
Hadrian's Arch in Jerash, Jordan by Paul Cook
The entrance to the ancient city is Hadrian’s Arch, an imposing triumphal arch built to honour Emperor Hadrian’s visit. The remains of the arch are on the south side of the archeological park.
The Cardo
The Cardo was the original main street of Jerash. It passed through the centre of the city. Today there are visible chariot marks on the road and a visible underground drainage system.
The Cardo in Jerash, Jordan by Victoria Hearn
Oval Plaza
Oval Plaza in Jerash, Jordan by Annelieke Huijgens
The Oval Plaza was designed to host seminars or public gatherings. The floor is made from large, carefully cut stones arranged meticulously to align with the oval shape of the symposium. Bordering the space is a colonnade with Ionic-style columns, visible from afar.
It’s thought the Oval Plaza was established before the Cardo. There are remnants of a pedestal at the centre of the square that may once have held a statue
North and South Theatres
The South Theatre was built between 90-92 AD under Emperor Domitian to seat 3,000 and is still functional today. It’s the largest and oldest of the three theatres. The South Theatre is used today during the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts. From the top of the rows of seats, there’s a great view across the entire archaeological park.
The North Theatre and its Nymphaeum fountain were built in the second century AD. The stones of this theatre have well-preserved inscriptions that give insights into which seats were reserved for certain groups of people, like the Council, administrators (phylai) and weavers.
North Theatre in Jerash, Jordan by Gary Hayes
Temple of Artemis
Artemis was the patron goddess of Gerasa. The temple construction began in the second century, however only 12 of the planned 32 columns were erected. Underneath the temple is an extensive system of underground vaults with an unknown purpose.
Hippodrome
Hippodrome in Jerash, Jordan by Marion Bunnik
Jerash’s Hippodrome is a 244m by 50m sports field built between the first and third centuries. It seated up to 15,000 spectators and hosted athletics competitions and chariot races.
Recent excavations of the Hippodrome revealed the remains of stables and pottery workshops, along with indications that the site was used for polo by the invading Sassanians from Persia in the early 7th century.
Step back in time by 2000 years at Jerash and experience Roman history brought to life
Explore one of the world’s best-preserved Roman archeological sites at Jerash, a day trip from Amman, Jordan’s capital. This journey back in time is best enjoyed with the companionship and collegiality of a small group tour.
Create lasting memories and see history brought to life in this fascinating destination — Jerash is a true highlight of Jordan.
Questions about Jerash, Jordan
What happened at Jerash in the Bible?
The Decapolis is thought to have been included in the travels of Jesus and his disciples during his ministry, and Gerasa is often linked to the demon-possessed man Jesus healed in the Gospels of Luke and Mark.
What does the Jerash Festival celebrate?
The Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts was founded in 1981 by Queen Noor and is held annually in July as part of the Jordan Festival, which aims to enrich the cultural life of Jordan. Jerash Festival features shows by Jordanian, Arab and foreign artists.
How long do I need in Jerash?
A full day is enough time to see everything at the ancient site, starting with Hadrian’s Arch and exploring the city of 1,000 columns with a guided tour.