Jerash – Welcome to the Ancient Roman City of Jordan

Written By: The Planet D

Jerash is a fascinating ancient Roman city that is located just 50 km from Amman, Jordan. Jerash is considered the most well preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy.  It is also one of the busiest tourist sites in Jordan.

One wouldn’t expect to see such a magnificent Roman complex in the Middle East, but the Roman empire stretched far and wide at the height of its power. While recently going through old hard drives we found some long lost video footage of our time in the Middle East. I forgot that we even took footage while at Jerash, but sure enough, we had a lot of it.

Jerash Jordan
Jerash Theatre

Want more information on visiting Jordan, check out our Jordan Travel Guide

Jerash a Video Journey

jerash jordan video

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Overnight Tours can be booked from Amman showcasing Jerash, Petra and Wadi Rum.

About Jerash

Jerash makes for a great day trip from Amman where you can explore the ruins and learn a bit about historic Roman culture. Dating back 6500 years

Jerash Jordan
Jerash Columns

The amphitheatre, arches and plazas are in excellent condition due to the dry climate it is located in.

It was hidden for centuries under the desert sand and has only recently been excavated in the past century.

It was only rediscovered by the west in the early 1800s and excavations began in 1925.

Check out our favourite ancient cities from around the world. 

North Theatre jerash
Magnificently preserved Jerash North Theatre

I recommend hiring a guide in Amman as they can help you navigate the massive complex.

Our guide Ali helped us stay one step ahead of the crowds of tourists coming in droves on tour busses.

If you arrive on your own, hire a local guide to help you navigate the ruins, Jerash is huge and to understand the story and what you are looking at.

Jerash Tour

Jerash Hadrian's Gate
Hadrian’s Gate – Jerash Entrance

Your tour begins at Hadrian’s Gate an imposing arch dating back to 129 AD.

At its prime, Jerash housed 20,000 people and really began to flourish during the time of Alexander the Great. Located along the trade route, the city thrived and continued to grow until 800 AD.

The History of Jerash

Jerash
Jerash Ruins

While inside make sure to visit the Forum, Temple of Artemis, and the North Theatre of Jerash.

All structures are beautifully restored giving you a sense of what life was like in this ancient Roman city.

After visiting Jerash, have an Eco Experience at Feynan EcoLodge

Pillars of Jerash
Giant Stone Walkways

A highlight for us was the re-enactment at the Hippodrome.

Jordan has great history like here in Jerash, but it also has beautiful nature too.

Jerash Hippodrome
Soldiers Re-enactment at Jerash

Here you will be treated to a show of Roman legionnaires displaying military drills followed by gladiators fighting as they did in the days of Roman rule.

It ends with a chariot race around the hippodrome as the crowd cheers and roots for their favourite team.

For more Jordan Travel Ideas visit 10 Things to do in Jordan

Jerash Chariot Race
Chariot Race at Jerash

The Temple of Zeus is another must see at Jerash and its yet another example of how well the city has been preserved. The stone pillars are reminiscent of Athens own Temple of Zeus and I wonder if

We have never been to a Roman ruin in Italy. I look forward to seeing the Colosseum one day, but in Jordan I got the next best thing.

The Jerash Amphitheatre

jerash amphitheatre

Jerash Information:

Entrance to Jerash is 10JD (approx. 14 usd)
Jerash is located 50km from Amman
Several Different companies hire day tours from Amman
We recommend hiring a private car if you can afford the extra money. It’s an excellent way to see the country. Ask at your hotel for details. 

Cost of local guide at site: Approx 20JD

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO

Learn a Language: We recommend and love both Rosetta Stone and Babbel

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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9 thoughts on “Jerash – Welcome to the Ancient Roman City of Jordan”

  1. The pictures are so cool. I always love the historical places and after reading your post I will definitely visit there. Thanks for the sharing this article.

    Reply
    • There are so many places to stay. We moved nearly every day. We started at the Four Seasons Amman, which is worth the spurge. The Feynan Eco Lodge is incredible. The Holiday Inn on the Dead Sea and in Petra we stayed at the Crown Plaza. But it’s easy to find accommodation everywhere.

      Reply
  2. I heard that Jerash is one of the best preserved Roman cities. Looking at your photos, I can see it is. Pretty cool that they do reenactments – it certainly adds something different.

    Reply
  3. Wonderful! I’m on the fence of doing a Jordan trip this year (its more, can I swing the finances for it). So this is perfect for my planning!

    Reply