Best Ancient Roman Sites to Visit in Jordan

Jordan is a very interesting place, where ancient history, amazing architecture and magnificent landscape are united. The Ancient Roman Sites in Jordan will present a memorable trip through centuries of history to the travellers who are fond of the exploration of the past civilizations. Grand theaters and stone-paved streets, ancient temples and magnificent columns are some of the examples of these archaeological wonders that unveil the role of the Roman culture in the region. When walking through these historic places, the visitor gets an opportunity to envision how individuals lived, traded, worshipped and entertained thousands of years ago.

Roman heritage should be on your list of sights whether you are in Jordan in the first time or even visiting it with a more in-depth cultural experience. By carefully designed Jordan tour packages, the visitors can visit these ancient sites in addition to Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea and other popular sites. These are some of the most ideal Roman sites to be added in your Jordan travel plans.

Best Ancient Roman Sites in Jordan

1. Jerash

One of the most amazing Roman archaeological sites in Jordan and a common attraction to history enthusiasts is Jerash. The city, which was called Gerasa in the Roman times, was the key member of the Decapolis, the group of the great cities of the area.

The archaeological site is also known to have exceptionally well preserved ruins. They can stroll around the spectacular Oval Plaza, the long Cardo Maximus where columns are placed and view the ancient temples and government buildings. Another significant sight is the South Theater where the architectural abilities of Roman builders are presented.

Jerash is big to be explored in a few hours and so, it is best suited to the travelers who will enjoy the ambience of an ancient Roman city. Its streets, columns, theaters and plazas allow taking an interesting glimpse into the life of the urban Romans.

2. Roman Theater of Amman

The Roman Theater of Amman is one of the most common historical sites of the city in the center of the capital of Jordan. Constructed in the Roman era, this massive theater was meant to hold big crowds to watch performances and other gatherings.

The theater is dug into the side of a hill, the rows of seating being steep, and made of stone, stepping up over the stage. The visitors are able to ascend the stairs and have a look at the theater and the surrounding downtown.

It is also conveniently situated in the heart of the Amman attractions. The visit here is particularly gratifying to the travelers who are concerned with architecture, ancient entertainment and history of Roman cities.

3. Amman Citadel

The Amman Citadel is a hill that overlooks the present day capital and has archaeological sites of various civilizations. One of the most significant Roman ruins is the Temple of Hercules.

The temple used to be an important monument and the columns that remain, as well as massive pieces of stone, give a splendid notion of the size of the temple. The high position also provides the panorama over the unique hills and buildings of Amman.

This makes the Citadel especially interesting, as both Roman remains and other structures of the other historical periods can be found there. This enables one to enjoy the rich and lengthy history of Amman within one visit.

The Citadel, which can be visited by anybody visiting the Ancient Roman Sites in Jordan, offers an archaeological attraction, as well as spectacular views of the capital.

4. Umm Qais

Another significant Roman site in the North of Jordan is Umm Qais (Gadara) in ancient times. It was among the Decapolis cities and it became referred to as a culture and trade hub.

The archaeological site has amazing remains such as ancient theaters, colonnaded streets and terraces among other buildings. Dark basalt stone was used in many buildings thereby providing a special outlook to the ruins.

Setting is one of the largest attractions of Umm Qais. The site is located on top of beautiful countryside and has an overview of the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding areas. It is this blend of ancient ruins and dramatic landscape that makes Umm Qais not like most other archaeological sites in Jordan.

5. Pella

The Pella is not a famous archaeological location in the north of Jordan, yet it is a good option to explore with those who would want to relax at the historical sites. The site has the relics of various eras, such as the Roman era.

Visitors are able to observe old buildings and archeological sites and have a panorama of the nearby Jordan Valley. Generally, Pella is a less stressful experience than Jerash, with the free time to explore the ruins.

Pella is also a recollection that the Roman history of Jordan is not only limited to the most prominent sites. A visit to places like this may give a more in-depth insight into the ancient communities that existed in the area in the past.

6. Roman Decapolis Heritage

There were a number of ancient cities in the present day Jordan that were linked to the Roman Decapolis. The cities were significant in trade, culture and politics of the region.

An examination of these sites has shown that they are similar in terms of Roman architecture, urban planning, open spaces, and entertainment. Meanwhile, the character of each city is different since the Roman traditions evolved in the environment of local influences of Greek, Nabataean, and other cultures.

This blend of cultures renders Jordan a special destination to tourists who wish to learn how various cultures interrelated in the ancient Middle East.

Tips for Exploring Roman Sites in Jordan

Majority of the archaeological sites require the use of a lot of walking and thus a pair of comfortable shoes is the best thing to do. Travelers are also advised to use water, wear appropriate clothes and use sun protection during warmer months.

Allow ample time to the major sites like Jerash since their large archaeological spaces cannot be adequately explored in a hurry tour. It can also be more meaningful with a local guide who can expound on the history of the buildings and monuments and their purpose.

The Ancient Roman Sites in Jordan could very well be packaged with other sites and a traveler could make up an itinerary that is balanced to both include history, nature, culture and relaxation.

Conclusion

The Roman history of Jordan provides the tourist with an amazing chance to discover the ancient cities, theaters, temples, and streets which have been preserved throughout centuries. The spectacular remains of Jerash and the Roman Theater of Amman to the picturesque archaeological scene of Umm Qais all offer a different perspective of the Roman world. The Ancient Roman Sites in Jordan are a very gratifying place to visit as far as history, architecture, photography and cultural tourism are concerned.

Any vacation in Jordan would be an exciting historical experience after a visit to these archaeological sites. Dive into the great sights or go further and explore smaller areas like Pella, you will have all the chances to get in touch with the ancient history of Jordan. Visiting the Ancient Roman Sites in Jordan is not merely a visit to ruins, it is a visit to a collection of stories, architecture and culture that have made this nation to remain a hot spot destination to tourists.