Jerash in Jordan .. one of the largest ancient Roman cities in the world

Arabiaweather.com - Ismail Qasimi - Jerash is one of the most famous historical and archaeological cities on the Royal Road in Jordan , one of the Ten Cities or Decapolis in the Middle East, and one of the largest ancient Roman cities in the world.

The location of the city of Jerash , an hour's drive north of the Jordanian capital, Amman (about 50 km), halfway between Amman and Irbid, in an area with hills, forests, and a green valley in which water flows.

The ancient city was covered with sand until it was discovered more than seventy years ago, and the dust and sand were removed from it, and a complete Roman city was found with walls, high structures, theaters, terraces, wonderful baths, and paved streets and squares.

Historically, the city was subject to the rule of the Romans after it was conquered by the Roman Emperor Pompey in the year 63 BC, as a result of which the city became part of the Decapolis Alliance (the ten Roman cities), which was established to counter the influence of the Nabataeans in the south.

The city of Jerash or Gracia, as it was called at that time, became one of the greatest of these cities, and although its allegiance was subordinate to the Yuman Empire, it reflected the spirit of the Greek and Roman cultures together.

Touristically, Jerash is one of the largest ancient Roman cities that still preserves its features well today, and this is what made it among the best recommended places to visit in Jordan after Petra.

In addition to the Roman and Greek cultures that mixed in the city of Jerash, the Arab and Islamic spirit of the East was able to occupy its place in the city, especially in the modern part of it, such as the Hamidi Mosque, the Umayyad Mosque, and the shrine of the Prophet Hood.

Among the most important archaeological attractions that you will see in Jerash are the great gate with three arches known as Hadrian’s Gate, the southern and northern theatres, the Temple of Zeus, the Street of Columns, the Nymphs’ Path and the Symposium Square, in addition to the Hippodrome and others.