Column Street

Jerash was once a thriving Roman city with its temples, theaters and squares. Today it is the largest archaeological park, which is essentially a huge acropolis.

The main street of the city was called Cardo Maximum. It was a wide avenue on which several riders could safely disperse. But its main advantage is a magnificent colonnade, framing the street on both sides.

The palisade of columns, a variety of styles depending on the nearby buildings, creates the impression of a straight line going into the horizon like an arrow of the road. Paved with white stone slabs, it rests on a spacious square, also surrounded by columns. During the annual historical festivals, a torch procession is held along the street and a ritual fire is lit.

Cardo Maximum was preserved in excellent condition. The columns that fell during the earthquake were re-established, and today, we can say, are in their original form. One can easily imagine what the ancient streets of Rome were like, strolling along its stone slabs through the ancient city.