Jordan contains the ancient city of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East.
Jerash stands north of Amman in a fertile area historically known as Gilead. The settlement was called Gerasa in antiquity and became part of the Roman province of Syria after Roman forces took control of the region in 63 BCE. It later joined the league of cities known as the Decapolis.
The archaeological site preserves a long colonnaded street, temples, theaters, baths, plazas, and monumental gateways. The Oval Plaza and the Temple of Artemis are among its most recognizable features. Many visible structures were built or expanded during the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Jerash declined after earthquakes and changing political and economic conditions, including the transformation of regional trade routes. The modern city grew near the ruins, which are now a major Jordanian tourist attraction. Jerash is sometimes confused with Petra, but the two sites represent different ancient urban traditions and lie in separate parts of Jordan.