Temple of Artemis

Jerash is often called the Pompeii of the East. It was once a thriving Roman city destroyed by an earthquake in the eighth century. And even the divine patroness of the city of Artemis could not save it from disaster.

The temple in her honor was located on the main hill near the city, where the temple of Zeus was once located. Today it, like all ancient buildings, forms a huge acropolis.

The Temple of Artemis survived more than one earthquake. It has already been partially damaged almost immediately after the completion of construction, but the funds of residents are fully restored. It was surrounded by a magnificent colonnade, the temple seemed to float in the air, despite its impressive size. The crusaders, who came to these lands in the XII century and seized the city, wanted to build a fortress on the hill, but they failed - several landslides prevented the construction, and completely buried the remains of ancient temples.

In 1930, a group of archaeologists studying the Jerash Acropolis discovered 11 of the 12 columns of the temple. Due to its fragmentary design, it seems that elegant designs sway in the wind.

Despite all the cataclysms and conquests, the temple of Artemis is considered the most preserved among all the buildings of the acropolis.