From the ancient Greco-Roman city of Gerasa. Today, we explored the ruins at Jerash. Known as Gerasa in Roman antiquity, Jerash was a member of the Decapolis.

Jerash is considered to have some of the most important and best preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy. As we made our way through its remnants, it was easy to see why. I noted many similarities to other ancient Roman cities: 2 large temples, an immense forum, 2 theaters, and the city’s ancient cardo, or main street. Interesting fact: the root of the word cardo, just as in the word ‘cardiac,’ means ‘heart.’ Acting, literally, as the heart of the city, the cardo was lined with shops and vendors.

Next, we headed to the hippodrome, for the Roman Army and Chariot Experience (RACE), where the seats used today are the same ones that spectators sat in nearly 2,000 years ago! As we took our (ancient) seats, a group of Roman legionaries marching in several rows made their entrance. After demonstrating a number of military formations and tactics, the legionaries stepped back to allow the gladiators to perform. Two gladiators squared off and started fighting. And, while they were fake fighting to entertain the audience, this rough hand-combat looked pretty convincing to me.

The finale of the show was a fast-paced chariot race. This was a surreal and wild thing to experience. For me, it was straight out of the movie Ben Hur! After a winner emerged, my teammates each had a turn taking a lap around the track on a chariot. Did I fail to mention that the team elected Adam to dress up as a gladiator for the day? Photo included above for your amusement!

Next stop, Madaba!

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