Jerash

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Jerash is a fantastically well preserved Roman city and a definite highlight of any trip to Jordan. It was one of the Roman provincial cities known as the "Decapolis". The colonnaded street, that runs on a north-south axis, is probably the best preserved surviving Roman road and the chariot tracks that mark the road are very evident.

The Jordanian special forces stage chariot races, and demonstrate Roman Legionnaire tactics and gladiator fights in the original hippodrome. The chariot races are similar to the Calgary Stamped rodeo chuck wagon races, and the Gladiator fights are reminiscent of WWF Wrestling. The Legionnaire tactics and training are authentic down to the commands given in Latin. Only the announcer's British accent seemed out of place.

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Photos

Colonnaded Street
Can you see the chariot tracks?

South Decumanus
An East-West axis road

Roman Legionnaire
Marching in

Roman Legionnaire
Defensive formation against a cavalry charge

Roman Legionnaire
Civil war between legions

Roman Legionnaire
Turtle maneuver