Jerash: Ancient Hellenistic, Byzantine, Roman and Muslim ruin city (Part – 1)

By Asad Russel – 

About the Jerash, Jordan:
As the Pompeii of the East dubbed, from the Amman 80 miles north located a Greco-Roman ruined city is the Jerash. In the Jerash the beautifully preserved ruins which are very impressive what includes for the worship the places and from the early periods of the Muslim, Byzantine, Roman and Hellenistic the other buildings.

The History of the Jerash:
During the era of the Hellenistic in the 3rd century BC, of the Decapolis became a member the Jerash, of the Greek cities a federation. As the Gerasa it was known then. In 63 BC by the Pompey were conquered the Gerasa and other cities of the Decapolis, a positive development being which ended up. The statues of semi-autonomous enjoyed the Jerash and in Syria of the Roman province as part the considerable prestige, trade route of spice and on the incense from its position it prospered during which time.

Under the Emperor Trajan its autonomy Jerash lost, but in 106 AD of Petra his annexation even more wealth brought the city. For the Hadrian this was a favourite city, in the winter of 129 to 130 who stayed there, in the 2nd century both socially and economically it flourished. During this period were built several temples, which includes in 150 AD the Temple of Artemis and in 162 AD the Temple of Zeus.

In the 3rd century after a period of decline, under the Byzantines as a Christian City was reborn the Jerash. From 527 to 565 during the reign especially it flourished, to the city were added seven churches at least during which time. In 611 was built the last church, but from there went down it all. In 614 by the Persians was invaded the city, in 635 by the Muslims captured and in the 8th century by the several earthquakes badly damaged.

Decreed the Caliph Yazid II in 720 that “in his dominions all the likenesses and images, of stone and of wood and of pigments and of bronze destroyed should be”. In some of the churches of Jerash in the mosaics can be seen to this command the obedience, like as that of the St. John the Baptist. But so ruined already the other that were not visible their mosaics, like the Church of Sts. Cosmos and Damianus, the destruction escaped.

In the 12th century the Crusaders arrived by the time, for some times had been unhabited the Jerash. Unfortunately by the Atabey of the Damascus in the area stationed a garrison into a fortress made the Temple of Artemis, in 1112 by the King of Jerusalem the Baldwin II which was captured and apparently by the fire destroyed completely. In the 1920s was began the excavations of Jerash and still today the excavations work is going on.

At the Jerash what to see:
A fascinating and large site of archaeological is the Jerash. Through the Hadrian’s Arch on the south side can enter the visitors, of its namesake in honor built. There is the Hippodrome which is nearby, where were held the sporting events and chariot races. There is the South Gate the track way down a little, of the city wall of 4th century the part.

Will Continue……..

Posted by : Unknown 10:25 PM Tags : Travel Destinations

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