Introduction The Colonnaded Street gets its name from the orderly rows of Corinthian stone columns lining both sides of the street. In fact, these columns served as supports for an elevated aqueduct that brought water from the mountains north of the city. The water flowed through the aqueduct to fountains and bathhouses for public use. Beneath the stone-paved street was a drainage system, with round drains spaced at intervals along the surface. This may have been…
Introduction Built in 1184, Ajloun Castle was initially constructed to block — traffic. Its completion marked the point when Saladin’s military power in the region began to surpass that of —, and four years later, the — fortress of Karak was captured. After the war, as a key link in Jordan’s north-south chain of castles, it served…
Introduction: The Temple of the Moon is dedicated to Artemis, the moon goddess in Greek mythology, who corresponds to Diana in Roman mythology and is the twin sister of the sun god Apollo. As the patron goddess of Gerasa, her temple was built at a higher and more magnificent location than that of Zeus. To enter the temple, one must first climb a steep flight of steps that seem to reach toward the heavens, evoking a profound sense of awe and sacredness. In front of the temple stand massive marble columns, each approximately 2 meters in diameter and 20 meters tall, constructed by stacking three carved stone cylinders. Remarkably, among these seemingly immovable pillars, one is actually movable. Tour guides will insert a spoon into the gap at the base of the stone column, and you can clearly see the spoon vibrate as the pillar sways. You can also test this tremor with a key or even your finger. The fact that these pillars are not fixed to their bases, yet have withstood multiple earthquakes over thousands of years without collapsing, is nothing short of a miracle.
Introduction The elliptical central plaza is the heart of Jerash, measuring 90 meters in length and 80 meters in width. It is paved with stone slabs arranged in concentric circles and surrounded by Ionic columns, with colonnaded walkways along the perimeter for pedestrians. During the Roman era, the plaza served as a venue for public gatherings and important celebrations, with a square…
Introduction Pella, along with Amman and Jerash, was a member of the Decapolis league during the Roman era. A favorite among archaeologists, Pella has been continuously inhabited since the 4th century BC and boasts a wealth of artifacts, including Chalcolithic tools, Bronze and Iron Age fortifications, Greek…
Umm Qais, anciently known as Gadara, overlooks the scenic Yarmouk Valley and the Golan Heights. Perhaps it was this reason that attracted the Greeks to establish the earliest city of Gadara here. The Roman era marked the peak of Gadara’s prosperity, and...
Introduction The Temple of Zeus is a Roman-era structure, yet it retains many architectural features of the Eastern style. On either side of the main entrance stand a pair of towers that can be climbed. The carvings on the portico are vivid and lifelike, most themed around elements of nature such as birds, animals, and plants. Irbid, Jordan…
Introduction The hippodrome is situated between the Arch of Hadrian and the southern wall of the ancient city. Measuring 240 meters in length and 51 meters in width, it is surrounded by several rows of stone seats and could accommodate an audience of 15,000 people. It is the largest structure in Jerash and is estimated to have been built around the early 2nd century, around the time of the construction of the Arch of Hadrian.
Introduction The Temple of Artemis is a relatively well-preserved architectural complex. The seven water outlets on the walls, the central fountain, and the drainage channel under the street below form a complete underground drainage system, demonstrating the high level of municipal engineering at the time. Ascending the stairs to the left of the Temple of Artemis leads to another...
Introduction The Jerash Archaeological Museum is located within the ancient city ruins and houses artifacts from various eras unearthed in local archaeological excavations. As excavation work continues, the museum's collection is constantly expanding. Opening Hours/Tickets: Opening hours: Summer 8:00–19:00, Winter…
Introduction In 129 AD, to welcome the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian, the people of Jerash specially built a magnificent triumphal arch in the southern part of the city, naming it the "Arch of Hadrian" and holding large-scale celebrations. The intention of the architectural planners was to use it as the city's southern gate to expand...
Introduction The Northern Theater of Jerash has undergone multiple expansions throughout history and could accommodate 1,600 spectators. Although not as large as the Southern Theater and with less well-preserved stage backdrop, the remaining massive stone columns are still very imposing. It is mainly used as a — rather than a performance venue.
Introduction: The Greek Orthodox Church of St. George is located in the city of Madaba and was originally built in the 5th century AD and rebuilt in 1896. On the floor of the church lies Madaba’s most precious mosaic artwork: the oldest existing map of the Middle East. This map is 25 meters long and 5 meters wide, made up of two million colored stone pieces...
Introduction: Qasr Hallabat was originally a Roman fortification, converted into a palace in the 8th century, and later served as a religious site. The castle grounds are adorned with elaborate and colorful mosaic patterns. Transportation: Located 50 kilometers east of Amman, it is the first stop on the desert castles route from Amman. …
Introduction According to historical records, in the 1st century BC, King Herod of Judea built a military fortress known as Machaerus Castle. The castle sits atop a hill that overlooks the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley, and on clear days, Jerusalem can be seen from there. Machaerus became an important holy site because it was the place where...
Introduction: Jordan’s numerous historical sites have inspired many artists from Arab countries, and the development of fine arts in the country has been rapid. Various art museums and cultural centers frequently host exhibitions for both local and foreign painters. Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts: Exhibits paintings, sculptures, and pottery by contemporary artists from Jordan and other Arab countries...
Introduction: Due to the over-extraction of groundwater from the Azraq Oasis to supply water to Amman and Irbid, the natural environment was severely damaged, resulting in the disappearance of about 280 species. In 1975, the Jordanian government established the Shaumari Nature Reserve, introducing many species that were or had become extinct in the Jordanian desert...
Introduction Citadel Hill is the highest point in Amman and was once the site of the city’s original fortress, closely tied to Amman’s history. In the 11th century BC, the Kingdom of Ammon, which worshipped the Egyptian sun god, established its capital on Citadel Hill. At that time, the capital was called “Ammun,” which later evolved into “Amman.”...
Introduction Qasr Amra is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the most magnificent of the desert castles in eastern Jordan, built in the early 8th century. As a caliphal retreat, Qasr Amra was not only guarded by defensive fortifications but also featured vibrant, lush gardens...
Qasr Amra Castle is located 85 kilometers east of Jordan’s capital, Amman, in the Azraq region. During the height of the Umayyad Caliphate, the caliph ordered the construction of over thirty desert palaces of various sizes, serving as recreational sites during his travels and as military camps. Qasr Amra Castle is one of them, and…