They call it “the Pompei of the Middle East”: Jerash, from Roman times, is one of the best preserved archaeological sites in the world. The Jordanian tourist office promotes it as “a Rome far from Rome”.
In the past, Jerash was called Gerasa. Conquered by General Pompeo in 63 BC, the city entered the League of the Decapolis, the alliance made between the ten great Roman cities of the Middle East, and began its period of maximum splendor. Buried under the sand for centuries, it has been rediscovered and restored since 1925. A spectacular Oval square precedes the so-called Cardo Massimo, the main artery of the city. Walking through the site you can admire wonders such as the temple of Zeus, the temple of Artemis and two perfectly preserved amphitheaters.
Since 1981, the city hosts the summer Festival of Culture and Art, where theatrical, music, dance performances and other cultural activities follow one another. Also, the Jerash Heritage Company stages the Race (Roman Army and Chariot Experience) twice a day, re-enacting the Roman folklore that includes a parade of 45 Roman legionnaires in costume, fights between gladiators and a chariot race in the racecourse.
