The Archaeological Site of Jerash

Jerash, ancient Gerasa, is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world, earning the nickname 'Pompeii of the Middle East'. Settled from the Neolithic period (c. 7500 BCE), it was established as a Hellenistic city around 175-164 BCE and joined the Roman Decapolis after Pompey's conquest in 63 BCE. Its extensive ruins include the iconic Oval Plaza, colonnaded streets, the Temple of Artemis, Hadrian's Arch (129 CE), two theatres, and a hippodrome. The city reached its peak in the 2nd century CE with an estimated population of 10,000-25,000.