The Ancient city of Jerash

Sometimes referred to as the "Pompeii of the Middle East" because of the staggering amount of ruins that have been unearthed, we went next to the ancient city of Jerash. 

This Greco-Roman city was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, though the area was inhabited as far back as 3200-1200 BCE. The Romans conquered the city in 63 BCE. The archway seen below, the Arch of Hadrian, is the Southernmost entrance to the city and was built to celebrate the visit of Emperor Hadrian in 129/130 BCE. 

A huge earthquake in 749 AD destroyed most of the city, and the ruins weren't disovered again until 1806. 

Still visible on the foundations of many of the structures are wonderful mosaic floors. 

And looking closely at the picturre below, you can see truly incredible detail that's been carved into the stone- especially on the 3 small block at the top, center. 

Looking at this picture, you can see the enormous Oval Forum surrounded by columns, and the roads that branch off from it.

There is another large Roman amphitheater here, with wonderful accoustics. Below is the stage.   

There are also several churches that were built on in later years, and again the detail that can be found in some of the remaining mosaic floors is stunning. 

This temple was never fully completed, but was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Another, above the Oval Forum, was dedicated to Zeus. 

The roads were all paved at one time, and columns flanked either side. 

This stairway led from the main North-South road, up to the Temple of Artemis. 

And here further along the road is the remains of a beautiful and emense fountian. It took me forever to get this shot. All the groups cleared out and I almost had it, when one lone woman wandered directly in front of the camera. I waited for a few minutes for her to move on, but she was busy taking the slowest selfie I have ever witnessed. Finally, in desperation, I said "Pardon!" placed my hands together in a symbol of prayer, said "Please?!" and then held up my camera. 

She moved exactly 6 inches...towards the front of the fountain. And then went back to her selfie. *Grumble* 

This area was at one time a market place. If you look closely at the small stone that is in the center of the photo at the far back, there is a lamb carved into it. This would have once been the butcher's!

After wandering through this sprawling area, we just made it back to the bus before it started to pour on us. I can't get over how lucky I have been this entire trip, with absolutely clear skies and sunshine the whole time! I'll take a little rain today; Go on, then. 

With one last stop on our tour, we drove back into Madaba and to St. George's Church. This church dates back to the early Byzantine era, and is important because it contains the "Madaba Mosaic Map." 

This 6th century mosaic map, on the floor of the church contain the oldest cartographic depictions of the Holy Land, especially Jerusalem. 

Also... as we were walking back from the church, I couldn't help but take this picture... This is what a Barbie in Jordan looks like! Made me chuckle.