The Ancient City of Jerash

We live less than an hour's drive from one of the largest and most well preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside Italy.  Yesterday, we decided it was high time to take a break and go to Jerash for the day.

Jerash (or Gerasa) has been a major trading center since the early Bronze Age.  During the period of the judges and kings, it was the site of many battles.  Jerash was a major city for trade and military control for the ancient Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Romans.

Because we have our Jordanian residency cards we got in for 50 piasters (70 cents).  Everyone else has to pay 8 JOD's (about $11.30).  We're so glad we're Jordanians!

The Arch of Hadrian stands at the entry into the ruins area.  In 126 AD when Hadrian was emperor of Rome he visited Jerash and this arch was built in his honor.  On the other side of the arch were two very clever young men who started talking to us, showing us around and then wanted money for the service.  Lynn gave them 6 JOD's but they said it wasn't enough so he gave them 10.

Just beyond the arch is a long, oval hippodrome in which chariot races were and are held.

Along the outside walls of the hippodrome were small shops that must have catered to the spectators.

The magnificent forum with dozens of columns

We were met here by a very  friendly Jordanian man who offered to take our picture.  He was a pretty good photographer.  He wanted money too.  Lynn gave him 3 JOD's even though he told us he had a bunch of kids, etc. etc.

The temple of Zeus

There was tons more to see, but we got tired and hot so we went home.  We'll come back another day.  Looking at old ruins doesn't excite Dad nearly as much as looking at old airplanes--and of course GOLF.