Travel News
EGYPT AND MIDDLE EAST TOURS
Ancient Rome meets modern Jordan at Jerash
Travelers who associate Jordan with bedouin tents and domed mosques might be surprised to discover some of the world's most extensive and well-preserved Roman ruins outside the city of Jerash.
Creating a vivid reminder that the Middle East was once an integral part of the Greco-Roman empire, Jerash's ruins do not just include a few temples or arches, but almost the whole ancient city of Gerasa, including two theatres, baths, a hippodrome, a central plaza, residences, churches and more.
Visitors enter at the southern end of the ruins, near one its signature structures, Hadrian's Arch, built to mark the emperor's visit in 129 AD. Just north of the arch sits the grandest of the ruins, the hippodrome, which served as a 15,000-seat stadium for gladiator fights and other events. It remains a working arena, used now by reenactors from the Roman Army and Chariot Experience who put on a daily show for visitors.
A colonnaded street is among the other highlights of the historic site, as visitors can step in the ruts worn by Roman chariots. Impressive colonnades and arches abound in Jerash, but the most spectacular example is arguably the oval plaza. This gathering place at the heart of the old city is surrounded by ionic columns dating from the 1st century.
Travelers on Jordan tours who come to Jerash should not only take in the ruins, but sample some of the local delicacies, including tangy cheese and dry white wine.
Posted: September 29, 2011
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