Jerash

About

The area around Jerash has been settled since the Neolithic Age, but its Alexander the Great who’s credited with founding the city of today. After being absorbed by the Roman Empire, Jerash flourished, and continued to grow until the 8th century when it was devastated by an earthquake. Today, the ruins of the Roman city are considered some of the largest and best-preserved outside of Italy. Walking down the city’s colonnaded main street, you’ll be treated to exceptionally ornamented monuments like a large Nymphaeum fountain, a Forum lined with 160 Ionic columns, and two theatres. The 3000 seat south theatre is still used for concerts and performances to this day! The city terminates at Hadrian’s Arch, which was built in 129 in honor of the Emperor’s visit, behind which is the hippodrome where chariots raced for up to 15,000 spectators. It’s also worth visiting the Jerash Archaeological Museum to see the many artefacts uncovered over the 200 years of excavations.