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As Gerasa prospered and expanded, the city needed considerably more water. Around 125 AD the water supply system was built, and at the end of the 2nd century, also in view of the growing needs of the public baths, the capacity of the main aqueduct was increased. According to an inscription in which the city is named as the commissioner, this impressive Nymphaeum was completed in 191 AD. Its purpose was to complement the numerous small public fountains that already existed along the Cardo with a main water source.
The Nymphaeum is therefore a monumental fountain on the cardo. It consisted of two side aisles which enclosed a central semi-circular apse that was topped with a concrete vault. The two levels of the facade were richly decorated with reliefs, panels and columns with Corinthian capitals. The lower level was decorated with marble panels and the upper one with painted stucco. Water poured from the mouths of several lion heads into a large, deep basin that occupied the entire width of the structure. The water flowed ceaselessly, and when it overflowed, it was collected by the street's sewage system.
(From information at the site)
The Nymphaeum of Gerasa
Jerash Archeological City
Location on map
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