The Theatre at the Roman city of Jerash

Exploring the Roman City of Jerash with Kids

Often referred to as the ‘Pompeii of Asia’, the ruins at Jerash are one of Jordan’s many attractions. They are one of the Middle East’s best examples of a Roman provincial city, known at that time as Gerasa. Remarkably well preserved through the centuries by the dry desert air and being buried in the sand, they are a magnificent sight. Read on to discover our experiences of Jerash with kids.

HISTORY OF JERASH (GERASA)

The city was obviously one of great importance and wealth but how did Gerasa, not on a major trade route, become so important? The answer lies in the soil. This area is very fertile and perfect for growing fruit. Figs, apples, plums, berries and olives all grow on the surrounding hillsides, these fruits enabled the ancient farmers to prosper. The city flourished between the first and third centuries AD. Its fortunes peaked around the beginning of the third century when the city boasted a population of 15,000 to 20,000 inhabitants.

Located just 50 kilometres north of Amman it makes for an easy day trip. Yet many miss it from their itinerary preferring to concentrate on the sites of southern Jordan.

Described as one the 10 Great Decapolis Cities of the east, it is truly one of the most spectacular examples of an ancient Roman city. Well preserved remains of all the Roman structures can be seen here – forum, cardo maximus, hippodrome, temples and theatres.

The city declined with a devastating earthquake in 747 and its population shrank to a quarter of its former size. Other than a brief occupation by the Crusaders in the 12th century, ancient Gerasa eventually became covered in sand. The new city, modern day Jerash, was built on the neighbouring easterly hillside.

Gerasa was rediscovered in 1878 and has now been largely excavated and rebuilt. Many however, claim what you see today is only a third of the original city, the rest being still buried under the sand and modern city of Jerash.

EXPLORING THE ROMAN CITY OF JERASH

HADRIAN’S ARCH

We started exploring by passing through Hadrian’s Arch. The 13 metre tall arch was built to honour the visiting Emperor Hadrian.

Hadrian's Arch in the Roman city of Jerash

HIPPODROME

A little further on and you pass the Hippodrome, built sometime between the first and third centuries AD. This ancient sports field (244 metres long) was once surrounded by seating for 15,000 spectators, hosting chariot races and athletic competitions. Approximately 200 metres from the Hippodrome you reach the South Gate, one of the four entrances along the city walls. Here we met our tour guide.

FORUM

From here we toured the rest of the ancient Roman city of Jerash. Firstly the Forum with its columns arranged around an oval plaza. This immense space lies in the heart of the city, linking the main thoroughfare (Cardo Maximus) with the Temple of Zeus. It served as a marketplace and was the main focus of the cities social and political life.

The Forum of the Roman city of Jerash

CARDO MAXIMUS

Jerash’s superb colonnaded Cardo Maximus is straight as a Roman road! Along its 800 metre length were once 500 columns, many of them reassembled today. The city’s principal thoroughfare is complete with manholes to underground drainage and ruts worn by thousands of chariots scored into the original flagstones!  Along the Cardo Maximus are some great ruins in various states of restoration such as the Nymphaneum, Cathedral, Northern and Southern Tetrapylons, and the Western Baths.

The Cardo Maximus in the Roman city of Jerash

Nymphaeum in the Roman city of Jerash

TEMPLE OF ZEUS

The Temple of Zeus, built in AD 162, towers above the city, enough of its beautiful building remains to understand its former importance.

The Temple of Zeus in the Roman city of Jerash

SOUTH THEATRE

Entering the South Theatre through a wooden door within the arches, there’s little to suggest what lies beyond. As you emerge into the theatre you can not fail to be impressed. Built in the first century AD and once housing 5,000 spectators, amid two storeys of seating, the theatre is almost perfect. Climb to the top of the seating for a bird’s eye view down into the theatre. Climb up onto the stage and pretend to be an actor in Roman times. Our boys loved spending time in this magnificent open-air Roman theatre. Every summer the Jerash Festival of Culture & Arts is held which includes shows held on site in the ancient Roman theatre.  This i’m certain would be an incredible experience.

The South Theatre in the Roman city of Jerash

The seating in the South Theatre in Jerash

Children will love the realistic Roman city (particularly if they’ve already studied the Romans). Ours were enthralled by the stories of Roman life told to us by our guide. They particularly loved the Cardo Maximus with its chariot grooves in the flagstones and the South Theatre. There is ample opportunity for climbing and running around, pretending to be Romans, so children are easily entertained.

Walking the Cardo Maximus in Jerash with kids

One point to mention, you won’t find health and safety barriers here, so keep your eye out on what kids are climbing at all times.

COST OF VISITING JERASH

Entry for non-residents is 10JOD, children are free.

Jerash is one of the attractions that are part of the Jordan Pass.

Guides can be hired at the South Gate. 20JOD should get you a guide for two/three hours.

TOP TIPS FOR EXPLORING JERASH WITH KIDS

  • The site is open 8am to 4.30pm in the winter, to 7pm in the summer.
  • You need at least 3 hours to visit Jerash properly.
  • The best time to visit is spring or autumn when it’s not too hot.
  • The site is very exposed with little to offer in terms of shade. Bring water, wear sunscreen and hats.
  • There is nothing to eat within the site itself (although there is a cafe at the South Gate) so bring snacks if needed.
  • Sturdy walking footwear is recommended.
  • Explain the Roman way of life to children before coming. They will then be more interested in the site.
  • The site is definitely not buggy friendly.

The Roman city of Jerash with kids

WHERE WE STAYED

We stayed in Amman after our visit to the Roman City of Jerash at the InterContinental Jordan Hotel. This is a good quality hotel, located in the old city centre. We had two large and comfortable interconnecting rooms for our family of five.

Looking for more information on Jordan? Read these posts:

Top 10 Things To Do In Jordan With Kids

A  10 Day Jordan Itinerary with Kids

Amman with Kids:The Gateway to Jordan

Visiting the Dead Sea with Children

Camping with Kids in Wadi Rum

Have you been to the Roman city of Jerash? What did you think?

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Exploring the Roman City of Jerash with Kids

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38 Comments.

  • Absolutely stunning, I am such a big fan of (large) roman sites!! The city where I live (Utrecht) was a Roman garison town and we have many excavations here!
    #CityTripping

  • This looks absolutely incredible, your photos really show how much there is to see and do there – Jerash was one of the places I’d have loved to see when I was in Jordan but sadly didn’t have time for. It’s definitely top of the list whenever I finally go back with my daughter, I know she’d love exploring here. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping

  • It is incredible to think that this place was covered in sand. I love Roman ruins so, this place is on my wish list of ancient places to visit. I have been to Ephesus and there are certain similarities. #citytripping

    • Nicky Williams
      November 29, 2017 6:56 pm

      We haven’t visited Ephesus but would love to one day! Our guide (maybe a little biased) felt that Jerash was a larger, better preserved example of a Roman city, yet it doesn’t have any UNESCO status. They are working on that though…

  • I have been to Jerash and absolutely loved it! In addition to Amman Citadel, Jerash was one of the interesting places that I had visited from Amman – had a fantastic time – made my stay in Amman memorable. Glad that you and your family had a great time, love your pics of jerash! #Citytripping

    • Nicky Williams
      November 29, 2017 6:54 pm

      Jerash was super interesting. Unfortunately many people don’t visit on trips to Jordan preferring to just head south from Amman.

  • Another fantastic adventure, I love the fact that it’s shrouded in history and the sights are just amazing to look at. Sarah #ExplorerKids

    • Nicky Williams
      November 29, 2017 6:53 pm

      Jordan is definitely full of adventure and interest. Jerash was better than we were expecting, a wonderfully well preserved Roman city.

  • I have visited Jerash once about 10 years ago. It is a fascinating place and I really enjoyed seeing pictures of it again to see how well preserved it still is. Jordan is such a great place to visit. #explorerkids

    • Nicky Williams
      November 29, 2017 6:52 pm

      Absolutely loved Jordan and thought that Jerash was amazingly well preserved for a Roman city.

  • So much history and I love your images too. Also great to have practical tips for a visit if I ever get there #ExplorerKids

  • Jordan has been on my list for so long, pinning it for later together with the Dead Sea article – we’ve been few years ago on the Israeli side and loved it, would love to go back with the kiddies! #explorerkids

  • What an amazing adventure and such an interesting place to visit thank for sharing great tips and fab photos. Mandy xxx #explorerkids

  • What a super trip! It looks very hot though. I like the history of this and the architecture. Very fascinating. I’m very impressed with how sophisticated the Romans are with the built environment and their draining system. Very impressed. Thank you so much for taking us along with you to your wonderful trip on #ExplorerKids

  • What fantastic trip – and so educational! This has really inspired me and I love your pics! #explorerkids

    • Nicky Williams
      December 5, 2017 10:28 am

      Thank you. Probably something to do with me being a teacher! Always keen on learning wherever we may be…

  • Any ruin which lacks health and safety regulations is always a big hit with my kids. Such an amazing site, I really hope I can visit Jordan one day, it looks incredible. #farawayfiles

  • My children both love visiting Roman sights and I think a good guide can always bring a place to life with stories and information about the places you’re visiting. This looks so impressive, Nicky. And I did enjoy reading more about the history in your post too. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles

    • Nicky Williams
      December 8, 2017 9:32 pm

      Good guides certainly add a lot to any visit. We are more frequently hiring private guides for our family group. Always looking for recommendations.

  • I was thinking of calling 2017 the year of Roman ruins for our family as we’ve seen a few! You’d think I’d be sick of them but Jerash looks incredible. Your posts just make me want to visit Jordan all the more.

  • As a history major in college, I love anything to do with ruins. I find them fascinating. My kids have really only explored Rome, but I hope to take them to more places like this some day. Sounds like it made for an interesting, and educational, family trip. Thanks for linking up with #farawayfiles

    • Nicky Williams
      December 10, 2017 9:25 pm

      We still have Rome to explore with our boys. They’ve studied the Romans in school so are fascinated by seeing Roman ruins.

  • I wonder what else lies beneath the city! Buildings like this are great for teaching children about the past. Your photos are beautiful, and really bring your Jordan trip to life. Thanks for sharing with #CulturedKids!

  • I confess that 8 have never heard of Jerash before and now I have an really want to visit. What an incredible site. Thank you for linking up to #CulturedKids

    • Nicky Williams
      January 8, 2018 8:45 pm

      Its a fantastic example of a Roman city and one that few people know about!

  • I absolutely love the Middle East! I’ve never been to Jordan though. I’m sure my Husband would love to visit this Roman city though as he was born in Saudi but is actually Italian – links to both aspects! x

    http://www.jesseatsandtravels.com

  • Love reading about your travels and the places you have visited. I find these types of places so interesting and would love to take my boys to more places like this in the future #familytraveltips

  • Wow, what an incredible place. You can totally see that it was a Roman city, there is a lot of similarity with the buildings in Rome. Great tips about visiting with children too, especially about taking snacks, hangry children walking around there for three hours would be the worst! Thanks for linking up to #FamilyTravelTips
    Nat.x

    • Nicky Williams
      January 26, 2018 9:07 am

      It’s a fabulous example of a Roman City, so well preserved. Our boys really got into the spirit of it , pretending to be Roman gladiators…!

  • I forgot all about Jerash! I’ve not been but would love to go. It’s absolutely amazing how well preserved it is! #familytraveltips

    • Nicky Williams
      January 29, 2018 12:38 pm

      It’s an amazing example of a Roman City, probably because it’s been buried under sand for years!

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