Loading ...From Rome to Rhythm: The Spirit of Jerash
By: Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing Writer
As the sun rises over Jerash, the City of a Thousand Pillars, its golden light warms the ancient stones, bringing history to life. Once a thriving Roman city, its streets echoed with the sounds of chariots, merchants, and poets. Today, Jerash still shines, not just through its ruins, but in its spirit. Every summer, the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts fills the city with music, dance, and poetry. Performers take the same stages where Roman entertainers once captivated crowds. Under the night sky, the past and present merge, making Jerash a place where history still speaks. Take a virtual journey to Jerash with Yara Marei, Arab America Contributing Writer.
Roman Treasure in Jordan
Jerash, also known as “Gerasa” in ancient times, is a historic city in northern Jordan, about 48 kilometers north of Amman. It is the second most-visited tourist destination in the country after Petra. Jerash is famous for being one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Rome, showcasing impressive ruins that reflect its rich past.
During the Roman period, Jerash thrived as a major city, featuring grand temples, spacious public squares, theaters, and streets lined with towering columns. The city also had public baths and large gates, highlighting its importance in trade and culture. Today, ongoing archaeological discoveries continue to reveal more about Jerash’s historical significance, making it a key site for visitors interested in ancient civilizations.
A City of Architectural Wonders
One of the most fascinating aspects of Jerash is its urban planning, which showcases advanced Roman engineering. The city features well-preserved roads, plazas, and a unique water distribution system. Among the remarkable discoveries in Jerash is a rare Greek inscription on a commemorative stone, dating back to the early first century AD. This inscription, found in the ruins of the ancient city, highlights the contribution of a nobleman named Demetrius, who played a key role in constructing a sacred temple.
Recent excavations have revealed a distinctive architectural technique, previously unknown in other Roman cities. Researchers uncovered a special keystone used in the construction of arches, featuring small openings designed to aid in the alignment of stones during the building process. This discovery sheds light on the sophisticated engineering techniques employed by Roman architects.
Ongoing Archaeological Discoveries
In October 2014, a team of archaeologists working in Jerash uncovered a remarkable artifact buried beneath layers of earth. This finding adds to the city’s collection of artifacts displayed in the Jerash Museum, which showcases items from the Neolithic period to the Islamic era. The continuous efforts of archaeologists, including international teams collaborating with local experts, help uncover Jerash’s hidden stories, making it an essential site for understanding ancient civilizations.
Jerash Through the Ages
Jerash has witnessed many civilizations, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic influences. It was once a thriving city in the Decapolis, a group of ten cities with strong cultural and economic ties during the Roman era. In its peak during the second century AD, Jerash had around 20,000 inhabitants and a steady water supply from nearby springs. However, the city suffered destruction from earthquakes, particularly the one in 749 AD, leading to its decline.
Today, Jerash remains a major tourist attraction, often referred to as “Pompeii of the East” due to its well-preserved ruins. The city is famous for its colonnaded streets, grand amphitheaters, and impressive temples, including the Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Zeus.
The Jerash Festival
Jerash is not only an ancient city but also a vibrant cultural hub. Every year, it hosts the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, one of the most important cultural events in Jordan. The festival brings together local and international artists, musicians, and performers who showcase traditional Jordanian folklore, poetry, and theatrical performances. The festival transforms the ruins of Jerash into a lively stage, celebrating Jordan’s rich heritage while attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.
A Timeless Treasure
Jerash continues to amaze visitors with its historical richness and ongoing discoveries. Whether exploring its ancient streets, admiring its grand architecture, or enjoying its annual cultural festival, Jerash remains a timeless symbol of Jordan’s rich past and dynamic present.
check our blog here!