1. Introduction to Jerash
2. Video Journey at Jerash
3. Discovering Jerash’s Rich History
4. Important Information for Visiting Jerash
Jerash is a fascinating ancient Roman city located just 50 km from Amman, Jordan. Renowned for its remarkably preserved Roman ruins, it stands as one of the busiest tourist attractions in Jordan.
You might not anticipate encountering such an impressive Roman complex in the Middle East; however, the Roman Empire’s influence extended extensively during its peak. While sorting through old hard drives, we stumbled upon long-lost footage of our journey in the Middle East, including our memorable time in Jerash.
Table of Contents
Jerash a Video Journey
Overnight Tours can be arranged from Amman to showcase Jerash, Petra, and Wadi Rum.
About Jerash
Exploring Jerash makes for an excellent day trip from Amman, where you can immerse yourself in the ruins and uncover the history of Roman culture. This site dates back 6,500 years.
The amphitheater, arches, and plazas are exceptionally well-preserved, thanks to the region’s arid climate.
Once buried under the desert sands for centuries, the city has been excavated only in the past century.
Jerash was rediscovered by Western explorers in the early 1800s, with significant excavations commencing in 1925.
It is advisable to hire a guide in Amman, as they can assist in navigating the extensive complex.
Our guide, Ali, helped us stay ahead of the throngs of tourists arriving on tour buses.
If you arrive independently, consider hiring a local guide to help you understand the vast ruins of Jerash.
Jerash Tour
Your journey begins at Hadrian’s Gate, an impressive arch dating back to 129 AD.
At its zenith, Jerash was home to 20,000 people and flourished significantly during Alexander the Great’s era. Located along the trade route, the city prospered until around 800 AD.
The History of Jerash
While exploring, be sure to visit the Forum, Temple of Artemis, and the North Theatre of Jerash.
All structures have been beautifully restored, providing insight into life in this ancient Roman city.
A highlight of our visit was the reenactment at the Hippodrome.
While Jordan boasts a rich history, it also features stunning natural landscapes.
During this event, visitors can witness Roman legionnaires perform military drills, followed by gladiatorial contests reflecting the days of Roman dominance.
The show culminates in a thrilling chariot race around the hippodrome, with the audience cheering for their favored team.
Additionally, the Temple of Zeus is a must-see in Jerash, exemplifying the city’s outstanding preservation. The stone pillars evoke the grandeur of Athens’ Temple of Zeus, a stunning sight in its own right.
The Jerash Amphitheatre
Jerash Information:
Entrance to Jerash is 10JD (approx. 14 USD)
Jerash is located 50 km from Amman
Various companies offer day tours from Amman.
Opting for a private car can enhance your experience and provide a more comfortable way to explore the country. Consult your hotel for details.
Cost of a local guide at the site: Approx. 20JD
