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South Gate

South Gate / © Foto: Haupt and Binder, Universes in Universe

South Gate and nearby attractions

The South Gate, just like the somewhat later, much larger Hadrian's Arch, was built in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian on the occasion of his visit to Gerasa in the winter of 129/130 AD.

Both constructions, between which a new southern quarter was planned on Hadrian's initiative, show great similarities, therefore the South Gate could be something like the prototype of Hadrian's Arch. This can be seen in the basic structure of the buildings: a high central passage and two smaller side gates with window-like niches above them, as well as outer pavilions, from which in the case of the South Gate stairs led up to the city wall later on.

There are also clear similarities in the details: as in the superimposed three-quarter columns on Hadrian's Arch, the half-columns on the South Gate are crowned by Corinthian capitals and their column shafts also stand on Attic bases and are surrounded by a wreath of acanthus leaves. At the South Gate, too, the three passages are framed by pilasters, finished at the top by acanthus leaves and moldings with frieze-like ornaments, supporting semi-circular arches fronting the barrel vault.

South Gate

Hadrian's Arch

South Gate

Hadrian's Arch

When the city wall was built in several phases from the end of the 3rd or beginning of the 4th century, the South Gate was integrated into it. The wall surrounded Gerasa on both banks of the wadi, was about 3.4 kilometers long and on average 2.90 m thick. About every 17 to 20 meters it was reinforced by solidly filled towers with a side length of about 6 meters, the entrances to which were 3 to 4 meters high and could only be reached by means of portable ladders. (Seigne, p. 8)

Area behind the South Gate

Until the construction of the South Gate, the vault seen in the background was the southern entrance to Gerasa. The busy road to Philadelphia (today's Amman) at the foot of the Temple of Zeus was bustling with activity in ancient times, and especially after the construction of the gate, an important market place developed here.

West Souk and Military Barracks

At this site west of the road to Philadelphia (later Amman), between the South Gate (left) and the cryptoporticus of the Temple of Zeus (right), at least four workshops were built in the 2nd century. Archaeologists found there, among other things, saws of various sizes, chisels, drills, axes, hatchets, compasses, from which it is concluded that there was a carpenter's workroom here.

The colonnade in front of the stores supported two apartments of wealthy people of about 100 square meters on the upper floor. The whole complex was destroyed at the end of the 3rd century by a fire caused by looters.

After the raid, the construction of a city wall began. Since the ruins of the destroyed West Souq were located right next to the South Gate, they were demolished for the construction of small barracks with a courtyard for the city guard. After being rebuilt several times, the military barracks were probably abandoned in the 7th century.

(From information at the site and other sources)

The Oil Press

Around 220 AD, the rocky ground of the southernmost store of the West Souq was deeply excavated for the construction of an oil mill. Access was through a staircase cut into the rock from the walkway. In the center of the room one can see the remains of the grinder for crushing the olives with the millstone, which used to stand upright. The press itself was located in a niche on the west side.

During the excavations in this area, the archaeologists found, among other things, objects made of glass and ceramics, bronze lamps, iron tools and coins. From this it can be concluded that the oil mill, together with the carpenter's workshop and the apartments on the upper floor, was destroyed by the violent fire that followed the raid on the still unfortified city towards the end of the 3rd century. The foundations of the city wall, built only afterwards, partially overlay the oil mill.

(From information at the site)

The East Souq

Around 110 AD, in front of the southern entrance of Gerasa, that is, outside the then city limits, on the east side of the road to Philadelphia (Amman), a souq row was built with 15 workshops and shops. The South Gate was built afterwards, which can be seen, among other things, from the fact that the foundations of the southernmost workshop are under the gate. The craftsmen working here included carpenters, potters, and at least one bronze caster.

During the fire and looting of the city at the end of the 3rd century, the East Souq was also destroyed, but quickly rebuilt. However, it could only be used for a short time, because at the turn of the 3rd to the 4th century, it was leveled for a planned changed route of the road. The new road alignment established a direct connection between the Oval Plaza and the South Gate. Gradually, at the site of the previous road, directly at the wall of the cryptoporticus of the Temple of Zeus, craftsmen settled again with their workshops. When a devastating earthquake destroyed the city in 749 AD, this souq also fell victim to it.

Jerash Visitor Center

Shortly before the South Gate, it is advisable to make a stop at the visitor center. There, before continuing the visit to the archaeological site, you can learn about ancient Gerasa through plans, charts and exhibits displayed in glass vitrines. A highlight are the exhibited sculptures found during excavations in the Eastern Baths (see our special feature on this). The Visitor Center also has sanitary facilities and seats for resting.

Aphrodite
One of the sculptures found in the Eastern Baths. The larger than life marble statue has a five-line Greek inscription on the plinth. According to this, the figure was donated by a local priest named Demetrios, stepson of Asklepiodoros, together with the base, the altar and the niche. The inscription also indicates the unusually exact date of dedication, around 20 March 154 AD. (More in our special presentation)

(© Text by Universes in Universe from information in different sources.)

Location:

South Gate and nearby attractions:
West Souk, Military Barracks, Oil Press, East Souq, Jerash Visitor Center
Jerash Archeological City
Location on map


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Compilation of information, editing, translations, photos: Universes in Universe, unless otherwise indicated


See also in Art Destination Jordan:

Web guide for cultural travellers - a wealth of information and photos.

Contemporary art, archaeology, art history, architecture, cultural heritage.

Supported by
Jordan Tourism Board

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