Roman city of Jerash: An archaeological pearl in Jordan!
Ancient Jerash, also known as Gerasa, is one of the best-preserved Roman cities of late antiquity in the Middle East. With impressive temples, columns, and archways, as well as the Temple of Artemis, the Roman city of Jerash tells of its glorious past. The first traces of the city date back to the Iron and Bronze Ages, but it was only under Roman rule that it experienced a significant boom and became an important trading metropolis, surpassing even the older Rock city of Petra competition.
Roman city of Jerash Jordan Journey to the Pompeii of the East 1
After a devastating earthquake in 749 AD, the Roman city of Jerash fell into obscurity and was covered by desert sand until it was rediscovered in 1806 by the German traveler Ulrich Jasper Seetzen. Thanks to the sand, many buildings remained excellently preserved. Today, Jerash invites visitors to experience Roman history firsthand. Visit the Pompeii of the East.
Roman city of Jerash Jordan
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I look in amazement over the stone rows of the great amphitheater; My gaze wanders breathlessly over the seemingly endless area of the fascinating archaeological city. Awe is my companion, childlike amazement fills my mind and the past overtakes me as I walk the majestic streets of Gerasa.
Magazine.Travel Authors
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Meter-high columns line the paths, massive temple walls are enthroned and defy time, old cobblestones tell their stories in a whisper and when my gaze turns to the deep carriage ruts that were dug into the old stone thousands of years ago, it seems to me for a moment I heard it Reverberations of the clatter of hooves fading away in the distance ...
Here, Roman history awaits you hands-on. Jerash is one of the largest cities of late antiquity and, after Petra, the most important cultural city in Jordan. Magazine.Travel authors see Jerash as the Rome of Jordan and the Pompeii of the Middle East.
How much does it cost to visit Jerash?(as of January 2025)
For tourists 12 JOD (approx. 15 euros). Alternatively, the Jordan Pass can be used as an admission ticket. Please note possible changes. You can find current prices here.
What are the opening times?(as of January 2025)
The archaeological site opens at 8 a.m. Depending on the time of year, visiting hours end between 15.30:18.30 p.m. and XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. Please note possible changes. You can find current opening times here.
How much time should I plan?(as of January 2025)
The Roman ruins of Gerasa extend over an area of 800.000 square meters. You should plan at least 3 hours for a visit. However, if you have a deeper historical interest or enjoy details, it is better to devote a whole day to Jerash. In addition to the extensive excavation area, the archaeological museum is also included in the entrance fee.
Is there food and toilets?(as of January 2025)
Attention, please bring enough food and drink with you. There is no restaurant within the excavation site. Small bottles of water are occasionally offered, but you should not rely on them. Toilets are available.
Where is Jerash, the Pompeii of the East?
The ancient Jerash is a cultural asset in Jordan and is located approx. 50 km north of the capital Amman. The archaeological excavations reach to the limit of the modern city of Jerash.
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Which sights are nearby? Amman, Madaba, Ajloun Castle, Tell Mar Elias, (Pella), Ajloun Forest Reserve
Jerash was once a magnificent ancient city (part of the Roman Decapolis). In 749 AD, a powerful earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. It was subsequently largely abandoned and forgotten. Rediscovered in the 19th century, Jerash has been excavated since 1925 and is now considered one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.
Which Roman city is located in Jordan?
In Jordan lies the ancient Roman city of Jerash (ancient Gerasa), one of the best-preserved Roman settlements outside Italy.
Where is Jerash in the Bible?
Jerash (the biblical Gerasa) is not mentioned by name in the New Testament. However, the city of Gerasa belongs to the region of the Decapolis, described in Mark 5,1:8,28 and Matthew XNUMX:XNUMX, where Jesus causes demons to enter pigs. The precise location "Gerasa" is found only in later historical sources, not in the biblical text itself.
Where was Gerasa?
Gerasa belonged to the Decapolis region. Gerasa (modern-day Jerash) is located in northern Jordan, about 48 km north of Amman and 15 km west of the ancient Royal Road.
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Source reference for text research
Information on site, as well as personal experiences when visiting the ancient city of Jerash / Gerasa in November 2019.
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