Jerash Archaeological Site is home to the remains of many striking ancient buildings, but the Temple of Artemis was once among the most striking of all. Believed to have been by far the most important place of worship in the ancient Roman city of Gerasa (now Jerash), the temple is still impressive for its sheer scale today. Visit it to get some sense of the enormous significance religion held for citizens of the ancient civilization of the Roman Empire.
The Temple of Artemis was built between A.D. 150 and 170, the century after the Roman Empire had conquered the region. It was built to praise Artemis, the daughter of the gods Zeus and Leto. As the goddess of both fertility and hunting Artemis was an important figure in Roman culture. It is thought that the temple was once the most finely decorated to be found anywhere in the city, with beautiful marble features. Visit nowadays, though, and you will find only part of the building still standing.
The temple was partially destroyed in the 4th century, when systematic removal of Pagan temples was underway across the empire. In the 12th century, under Arab rule, the temple was converted into a fort but was eventually seriously damaged by the Christian Crusaders. Although these misfortunes mean the temple is not the best-preserved building on Jerash Archaeological Site, you can still get some sense of its original appearance. Admire its remaining columns as you take in sweeping views of the archaeological site from the raised position offered by the temple.
Spend some time viewing the other ruins on the site in order to put the temple in context. See the Hippodrome, where the Romans played and watched sports, and marvel at the grandeur of the huge Hadrian’s Arch.
The Temple of Artemis is just one highlight of this sprawling ancient city. Pay your admission fee to the Jerash Archaeological Site and access to all of these incredible ruins will be covered, as well as access to the on-site Jerash Archaeological Museum.
