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History
Built in the 2nd Century AD, slightly later than the North Gate, this was one of the 4 entrances to the city of Jerash in Roman times.
Today
The South Gate serves as the main tourist entrance and ticket checkpoint, and is also the place where you can hire a guide if you want to do a proper tour of the city.
Architecture
The South Gate is the better restored one of the two, containing three massive stone arches that once held huge wooden doors. The decorations are similar to those of the Hadrian's Arch, with acanthus leaves and decorated pillars. Very little remains, however, of the original Roman walls around the place.
Written Apr 25, 2011
History
Originally built in 1st Century AD together with the Oval Plaza, it was designed as the main link between the Forum itself and the North Gate of the city, also allowing access to principal temples of the city.
Today
About half a mile long, Cardo Maximus is still Jerash's 'main street', teeming with tourists on busy days, and is the best route to take to see all the main sights. You really get the feeling of walking in the footsteps of history here, as the original Roman paving stones, manholes, etc. are still in their place.
Architecture
The main feature of Cardo Maximus – apart from being able to walk on genuine Roman flagstones – is the columns on both sides of the road. At the height of Jerash's power, there were ca. 500 of them, all of different heights to match the buildings that stood behind them. The general rule seemed to be 'the taller the column, the more important the building'
Written Apr 25, 2011
History
The oval plaza, built in 1st Century AD and measuring 90m long and up to 80m wide, is the best known site in Jerash. In ancient times, it has been both a place of sacrifice to the gods and a marketplace.
Architecture
Besides sheer size, the plaza is notable for the almost 60 surrounding columns. A fountain, which is still there together with the plumbing, forms a focal point for the plaza, with the limestone paving stones leading neatly to it.
Written Apr 25, 2011
Helpfulness
Next to the Sanctuary of Zeus, look for a path leading to the amphitheatre located next to it. The South Theatre was built in the 1st Century with 3,000 seats. If you're lucky, you might catch the Jordanian Military band playing when you're there.
The Jerash Festival held every July, uses the theatre for modern cultural events. For further information, contact the Jerash Festival office in Amman.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Phone: 962-6-5675199
These are definatle worth a trip from Amman or wherever you are in Jordan
They are supurb, and as you wander the ruins you marvel at the shere scale of the site.
The Hippodrome in the site has recently been used for chariot racing, and one of the roman theatre's are used for concerts/performances occaisionally.
Don't miss this place
Updated Mar 14, 2011
Helpfulness
Jerash was one of Emperor Hadrian's favourite cities. Outside the main site, and freely visited, is Hadrian's Arch (also know as the Triumphal Arch). This was built as a new southern gate, when Emperor Hadrian visited the city in the winter of 129-130AD. The intention seemed to be to extend the city outside its borders, but after he left the attention of the citizens returned to the center again.
Just inside the gate is the hippodrome.
Updated Mar 3, 2011
Helpfulness
One thing that may surprise you when you visit, is that the Jordanians love the traditional Scots musical instrument of the bagpipes! It is now the offical instrument of the army and is also played at weddings. The Jordanian Pipe Band play in the south theatre and it is a sight to see.
Written Dec 2, 2008
Address: The South Theatre
Situated behind the Temple of Zeus the theatre can still seat 3000 people along 32 rows. From the top of the theatre there are views of the ancient site as well as modern Jarash.
Whilst I was there I got to hear a group playing bagpipes for the tourists.
Updated Feb 3, 2008
Helpfulness
2 or 3 times a day according to the season, local actors will organise a show about the 6th Roman Legion who fought beside Caesar in one of the various civil war that affected Rome.
The show is delighting and gives some interesting information about Rome, its legions and the daily life of soldier.
The price is 12 JOD for tourist and 5 JOD for Resident
Written Sep 24, 2007
Address: Jerash
Helpfulness
The Roman Temple of Dionysus was rebuilt in the 4th century AD as a Byzantium church. Although it is called a cathedral, there's no evidence to suggest it was anything so grand. Lying directly above the Cathedral, and almost a part of it, is the Church of Saint Theodore. This large church was built a little later, in 496AD.
Written Jan 21, 2007
Reviews and photos of Jarash attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Jarash sightseeing.
The Roman Temple of Dionysus was rebuilt in the 4th century AD as a Byzantium church. Although it is called a cathedral, there's no evidence to suggest it was...
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Jerash, The Ancient Roman City
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