Jarash, Jordan Temple of Zeus ~ protection?
Erected in 162 AD, this temple stands on ruins of earlier sacred sites. From the Forum, a staircase leads up to the temenos (sacred precinct). Originally, a rock in the temenos served as a high place, and was enclosed into a shrine (Naos) in 100-80 BC. This shrine was modified in 69-70 AD and in the 2nd century AD, probably under Emperor Hadrian. From there, another staircase leads to the Temple of Zeus, which was originally surrounded by 15 meter high Corinthian columns.
Jarash is known for the ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Gerasa. Gerasa became an urban center during the 3rd century BC and a member of the federation of Greek cities known as the Decapolis ("ten cities" in Greek). Gerasa prospered during the 1st century BC as a result of its position on the incense and spice trade route from the Arabian Peninsula to Syria and the Mediterranean region. Gerasa reached its zenith in AD 130, flourishing economically and socially. The city began to decline in the 3rd century, later becoming a Christian city under the rule of the Byzantine empire. In AD 749, a major earthquake destroyed much of Jarash and its surroundings.
Jarash, Jordan Temple of Zeus ~ protection?
Erected in 162 AD, this temple stands on ruins of earlier sacred sites. From the Forum, a staircase leads up to the temenos (sacred precinct). Originally, a rock in the temenos served as a high place, and was enclosed into a shrine (Naos) in 100-80 BC. This shrine was modified in 69-70 AD and in the 2nd century AD, probably under Emperor Hadrian. From there, another staircase leads to the Temple of Zeus, which was originally surrounded by 15 meter high Corinthian columns.
Jarash is known for the ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Gerasa. Gerasa became an urban center during the 3rd century BC and a member of the federation of Greek cities known as the Decapolis ("ten cities" in Greek). Gerasa prospered during the 1st century BC as a result of its position on the incense and spice trade route from the Arabian Peninsula to Syria and the Mediterranean region. Gerasa reached its zenith in AD 130, flourishing economically and socially. The city began to decline in the 3rd century, later becoming a Christian city under the rule of the Byzantine empire. In AD 749, a major earthquake destroyed much of Jarash and its surroundings.