jerash

On the last day of the Jordan leg, a visit was made to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy. The ancient ruins reveal a grand urban plan with colonnaded streets, temples, theaters, and plazas that transport visitors back to the height of Roman influence in the region. Walking along the Cardo Maximus, the main colonnaded street, gives a sense of the city’s former splendor.

Jerash also has a cinematic connection: several scenes from the 1959 film Ben-Hur were filmed here, taking advantage of the city’s impressive Roman architecture and open spaces. The arches, theaters, and plazas provided authentic backdrops for the epic story, linking modern visitors to both ancient history and classic cinema.

Exploring Jerash completed the Jordan journey with a blend of archaeology, culture, and cinematic nostalgia before heading back toward Amman.