Ǧaraš, or Jerash, is a beautifully preserved Roman city. The region is thought to have been inhabited since Neolithic times and it was once a member of Emperor Pompey's commercial league of ten Middle Eastern cities, known as Decapolis. At the beginning of the 3rd century, during early Christian times, Jerash reached its peak. As a result, there are several early churches in the city, some of which were earlier temples. After several Christian and Muslim invasions and earthquakes, notably the earthquake of 749, the city went into decline.

In 1120, the Crusaders built a fort in Jerash, but it was captured only a year later and it was completely destroyed. After that, the Crusaders withdrew from the area.

Excavations of Jerash began in the 1920s, but by the end of the 20th century it was estimated that only about 10% of the city had been uncovered. The original entrance to Jerash was through a Triumphal Arch, but nowadays you will enter through the South Gate.

Inside the city walls are the Temple of Zeus and an unusually oval-shaped Forum. Behind the Temple of Zeus is the 1st-century South Theatre, which could once accommodate 5,000 spectators. A 600 m long colonnaded street runs up north from there. The site is dominated by the Temple of Artemis, which stands right at its center.

There are 2 museums in Jerash, where you can see items that were discovered in archaeological digs there.

• The Jerash Archaeological Museum is the oldest one. It is a small museum that displays artefacts from prehistoric to Arabic times. It is also home to several Roman statues, sculptures, altars and mosaics.
• The Jerash Visitor Center exhibits more recent artefacts, such as Greek statues. It also has a display on the evolution and development of the city.

There is no accommodation at the archaeological site of Jerash, but in the modern city, on the other sie of the river, hotels and restaurants can be found. The site can also be visited on a day trip from Amman. Food is available from street stalls in Jerash. Minibuses and service taxis to Jerash are available from the Abdali bus station in Amman. Jerash is in the north of Jordan, 48 km (30 mi) north of Amman.

Ǧaraš ©Hisham Zayadneh

Amphitheater ©Danil Ahmetşah

Ǧaraš ©AXP Photography

Ǧaraš ©Mauro Lima

Ǧaraš ©AXP Photography

Ǧaraš ©Danil Ahmetşah

Ǧaraš ©Danil Ahmetşah

Ǧaraš ©Hisham Zayadneh

Modern Ǧaraš ©Marco d'Abramo

Ǧaraš ©Pier Averara