Day 18, our last full day prior to departure, began with a 1 hour bus ride north to the Decapolis city of Jerash, regarded by some as the most outstanding archaeological site in the region. Built by Pompey in the 1st century BC its golden age was in the 1st-4th centuries AD with a population of 45,000 and as many as 16 churches, the ruins of several still remain, despite the area being prone to earthquakes, the worst of which was in 1927. One enters the city through Hadrian's Arch, a stunning limestone structure built by the people of the city to mark the visit of Emperor Hadrian in 129AD. Hadrian was so impressed he stayed for 6 months, and built the "South Gate" to express his appreciation. Jerash was primarily a trading station situated on ancient caravan routes, evidence of which is to be seen in many shops, a vast warehouse, and an agora.
The city boasts a splendid forum/plaza and a long colonnaded cardo. There are temples to Zeus, Bacchus, Artemis, a large theatre, in which an Arab bagpipe band entertained us. A Church built to honour twin brothers who were martyred by the Romans for their faith: Cosmas and Damianus. A smaller theatre called a podium is in excellent condition. In the hippodrome, a chariot race was staged by a group of actors dressed as Roman soldiers. The total area of the site is 3.5 square ks, with much more excavation still to be done. The quality of the craftsmanship that went into the stonemasonry was very impressive. There was a reconstructed machine, believed to be one of the first ever shaft driven machines devised that was water powered and its purpose was to cut limestone flagstones to pave the roads and buildings.
Following our visit to Jerash, we returned to Amman, stopping along the way to view the Jabok River, which Isaac crossed when returning to the Promised Land, where he met Esau and where he wrestled with God and was given the name Israel.
Our tour of the city of Amman took us to the citadel, past the royal palace, the Roman theatre, which has a 7,000 seat capacity, and the nyphium (fountain).
Late afternoon we met for a debrief meeting, at which each member of the tour party was invited to share one significant experience from the trip, which was also an opportunity to express appreciation to those who had contributed to the planning and smooth running of the tour.
Our last evening together was spent at a restaurant set up like a bedouin camp where traditional Arabic food was on the menu. Almost everyone else seemed to be smoking, the restaurant supplying a bong-like device used by many to smoke tobacco. We celebrated the birthdays of two including Bob D before returning to the hotel for our last night before heading home.
We give thanks to God for the joy of being able to share such a journey together and for the delight of all that we have seen and heard. We look forward to being able to share some of our stories with you soon.
The city boasts a splendid forum/plaza and a long colonnaded cardo. There are temples to Zeus, Bacchus, Artemis, a large theatre, in which an Arab bagpipe band entertained us. A Church built to honour twin brothers who were martyred by the Romans for their faith: Cosmas and Damianus. A smaller theatre called a podium is in excellent condition. In the hippodrome, a chariot race was staged by a group of actors dressed as Roman soldiers. The total area of the site is 3.5 square ks, with much more excavation still to be done. The quality of the craftsmanship that went into the stonemasonry was very impressive. There was a reconstructed machine, believed to be one of the first ever shaft driven machines devised that was water powered and its purpose was to cut limestone flagstones to pave the roads and buildings.
Following our visit to Jerash, we returned to Amman, stopping along the way to view the Jabok River, which Isaac crossed when returning to the Promised Land, where he met Esau and where he wrestled with God and was given the name Israel.
Our tour of the city of Amman took us to the citadel, past the royal palace, the Roman theatre, which has a 7,000 seat capacity, and the nyphium (fountain).
Late afternoon we met for a debrief meeting, at which each member of the tour party was invited to share one significant experience from the trip, which was also an opportunity to express appreciation to those who had contributed to the planning and smooth running of the tour.
Our last evening together was spent at a restaurant set up like a bedouin camp where traditional Arabic food was on the menu. Almost everyone else seemed to be smoking, the restaurant supplying a bong-like device used by many to smoke tobacco. We celebrated the birthdays of two including Bob D before returning to the hotel for our last night before heading home.
We give thanks to God for the joy of being able to share such a journey together and for the delight of all that we have seen and heard. We look forward to being able to share some of our stories with you soon.
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