Gerasa

Gerasa, commonly known today as the archaeological site at Jerash in northern Jordan, is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the Near East with extensive Greco-Roman urban remains. The site flourished under Roman rule and contains monumental temples, theatres, colonnaded streets and large public forums.

Principal highlights include the long colonnaded Cardo Maximus of roughly 800 metres, the large Oval Forum about 90 metres across, Hadrian’s Arch dated to 129-130 AD, the Temple of Artemis and several well-preserved theatres and baths. The combination of monumental public buildings and surviving street plan makes the site a leading example of provincial Roman urbanism.

Gerasa was a Hellenistic foundation that became prosperous under Roman patronage as part of the Decapolis league; major construction dates to the 1st through 3rd centuries AD. The city declined after late antiquity and earthquakes, and systematic archaeological excavations and restorations in the 20th century established the exposed layout and conserved key monuments.

The ruins are located in the Jerash Governorate of northwestern Jordan, roughly 48 kilometres north of Amman, set in a fertile plain near the modern town of Jerash.

• Best time to visit: Much of the site is preserved as an open-air archaeological park with walkways and signage; early morning or late afternoon light is best for photography of the colonnaded streets and forums.

What to See #

• Hadrian's Arch: A monumental triple-arched gateway erected in honour of Emperor Hadrian around 129-130 AD that marks one historic entrance to the city ruins.
• Cardo Maximus: The wide colonnaded north-south Cardo Maximus that runs through the site for roughly 800 metres and forms the main ceremonial street of the ancient city.
• Oval Forum: The Oval Forum - a large, paved oval plaza about 90 metres across that forms a focal public space within the ancient city plan.
• Temple of Artemis: The Temple of Artemis, a major Roman-era temple complex situated on a raised precinct at the southern end of the ancient city.
• Roman theatres: Two Roman theatres, including a large South Theatre used for public spectacles and performances that dates to the Roman period.