Table of Contents
Introduction
The ancient city of Jerash holds a wealth of history and secrets waiting to be uncovered. With ruins dating back over 2,500 years, Jerash offers a unique window into Roman life in the provinces. Often referred to as the “Pompeii of the East,” Jerash’s ruins were hidden for centuries before archaeologists revealed the site. Ongoing excavations continue to unveil stunning mosaics, carvings, temples, and more – attractions that make Jerash one of Jordan’s most popular tourist destinations. This article will highlight the key discoveries and attractions that make a visit to Jerash a walk back in time.
The Ruins of Ancient Gerasa
The foundations of Jerash were first built around the 4th century BC, originally known as Gerasa and inhabited by Semitic people. In the 2nd century BC, the city was conquered by the Romans and renamed Jerash. The Romans transformed the city into one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the Middle East. Jerash was meticulously planned and constructed on both sides of the Wadi Jerash. Grand colonnaded streets, imposing temples, theaters, baths, fountains, and city walls were built following the latest architectural styles. At its peak, ancient Jerash sprawled across a huge area and had a population of around 15,000.
Pompeii of the East
While Pompeii was famously destroyed and preserved by volcanic ash, Jerash was gradually abandoned after being devastated by multiple earthquakes. Over time, drifts of wind-blown sand gradually hid entire streets, buildings, and ruins beneath dunes. For centuries, Jerash sat buried and forgotten. In 1806, German explorer Ulrich Jasper Seetzen rediscovered the ruins, finding Greek and Roman inscriptions that revealed the city’s identity. Excavations began in 1925 by the British and American archaeological teams. Since then, they have uncovered only about 10% of ancient Jerash, with ongoing digs continually bringing new discoveries to light.
Key Archaeological Discoveries
Some of the most magnificent ruins uncovered in Jerash include incredibly well-preserved temples dedicated to Zeus and Artemis, the imposing propylaeum gateway, unique oval plaza, and stately columns lining the Cardo Maximus stone street. Intricate mosaics depicting mythological scenes and daily life have been revealed across numerous floors. Statues, carved stonework, and fountains carved from solid rock have endured centuries underground. Buildings give insight into civic administration, religion, entertainment, commerce, and urban life. Wide streets, public squares, bath complexes, and colonnaded walkways show careful city planning. Museums on site display pottery, coins, glass, jewelry, and sculptures found across Jerash.
Remains of Daily Life
As archaeologists unveil homes, marketplaces, and shops, a picture emerges of what day-to-day life was like thousands of years ago. Narrow alleys lead to open-air ancient markets where shoppers once gathered. Intact domestic dwellings give glimpses into family life and activities. Bakeries, wine presses, and mills illustrate food production methods. Structures like temples, churches, theaters, and civic buildings show the importance of religion, culture, governance, and entertainment. Analysis of inscriptions reveal political dynamics, while objects found tell stories of fashion, technology, and trade.
Ongoing Excavations
Archaeologists have only unearthed about one-tenth of ancient Jerash, leaving most still buried. Excavations proceed slowly using tools like shovels, brushes, and pick axes to carefully expose ruins layer by layer. Techniques like ground-penetrating radar help identify promising areas to dig without damaging artifacts. Recent excavations are reshaping archaeological understanding, uncovering gilded statues and earlier settlements from the Bronze Age underlying the Roman city. As digs open more structures and objects frozen in time, our knowledge of Jerash continues expanding.
Unique Attractions
While walking the ruins, iconic landmarks transport visitors back thousands of years. The Hadrian’s Arch gateway grabbing attention with intricate carvings dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian. The Hippodrome’s oval arena hints at the excitement of chariot races long ago. The nearly 800 foot Cardo Maximus colonnaded street evokes images of toga-clad citizens strolling beneath the massive columns. One unique structure is the almost perfectly preserved Oval Plaza, its shape and elaborately carved columns representing Roman engineering advances.
Entertainment and Festivals
Modern Jerash comes alive each year with cultural festivals and performances. Costumed reenactments of Roman chariot races in the hippodrome give crowds a taste of ancient entertainment. Musical and dance shows spotlight Jordanian culture while food stalls serve local cuisine. Jerash’s Festival of Culture held annually since 1980 includes poetry readings, Shakespearean theater, orchestral concerts, and art exhibitions. Markets offer traditional handicrafts from weaving to pottery made using centuries-old techniques.
Tourism Growth and Accessibility
Since Jerash’s excavation last century, tourism has consistently grown as word spread of its ruins. Visitor numbers increased from 10,2085 in 2000 to over 201,844 in 2017. Transportation to the site improved, with more group tours and public transit options through major Jordanian cities. Multiple modern hotels provide convenient accommodation, while expanded local restaurants cater to tourists. Guides fluent in many languages are available to lead private or group tours explaining Jerash’s history and customs.
Preservation Efforts
While tourism makes the mysteries of Jerash accessible, it also threatens fragile ruins. Sections undergoing active restoration are closed, with tight government control over entry to sensitive dig sites. Early excavation techniques left some structures weakened, requiring current conservation efforts. Teams monitor and repair damage from weathering and natural disasters like earthquakes. Security tackles vandalism and theft issues. Regular site maintenance includes clearing vegetation overgrowth and modern additions like electrical wiring designed for minimal visual impact.
Conclusion
Jerash offers a portal to look back in time over two millennia. As archaeologists peel back more layers, new discoveries await to deepen our understanding of provincial life under the Roman Empire. Each statue or household artifact unveiled helps complete the picture of this influential ancient city. The ruins of Jerash provide a unique opportunity to step into a crossroads of the Roman world – something Pompeii, Ephesus, and Leptis Magna can only mirror in Europe and North Africa. With so much still unexplored, Jerash remains both an archaeological treasure and a travel destination full of history and secrets ready to inspire imaginations for generations to come.
FAQs
What makes Jerash the “Pompeii of the East”?
Like Pompeii, Jerash was a prospering Roman city that was suddenly abandoned and left remarkably well-preserved for centuries before being rediscovered and excavated. The dry desert climate and protective sand cover left ruins largely intact.
How much of ancient Jerash has been uncovered?
After over 90 years of archaeological digs, experts estimate only about 10% of ancient Jerash has been excavated. Some areas have revealed ruins down to street level, while other locations remain completely buried.
What types of buildings and monuments have been excavated in Jerash?
Temples, churches, civic buildings, a hippodrome, two theaters, bath complexes, fountains, a triumphal arch, colonnaded streets, a forum, marketplaces, shops, homes, city walls, gateways, and more.
What methods do archaeologists use during excavations?
Careful hand-digging with tools like trowels, brushes, and picks. Also technologies like ground-penetrating radar, 3D imaging, drones. Detailed recording and documentation is critical.
How can visitors experience Jerash today?
Walking amongst the ruins and museums. Reenactments and cultural festivals. Local food, music, dance, and markets. Tours with guides explaining history and customs. Overnight stays at hotels.