#oval forum

[archaeologs]

The Oval Forum of Gerasa (Jerash). Illustration by Joseph Ramon Casals. Learn more / Daha fazlası https://www.archaeologs.com/w/gerasa/

[via-appia]

The Arch of Hadrian, colonnaded Roman road, and a section of the Oval Forum in Jerash, Jordan, c. 1st - 2nd century AD

[rabbitcruiser]

Jerash/Gerasa and Pella, Jordan (No. 3)

Pella is found in northwestern Jordan, 27.4 km (17 miles) south of the Sea of Galilee. With a history extending back into the Bronze Age, Pella expanded to its largest state during the reign of the Roman Empire. Pella is located in the Jordan Valley, 130 km (80 miles) north of Amman.

After Greek influences gave way to the Roman Empire. In 63 BC, the Roman General Pompey captured the city and it was integrated into the Eastern portion of the Empire. The Romans wanted all aspects of their culture to flourish throughout the empire, so during the height of their power in the East, they created a group of (10) Decapolis cities that would becomes centers for culture and government. The suffix of Decapolis, polis, was a title given to important cities that were under Roman rule, but remained self-governed and constituted a "free city-state" within the Empire. Pella was selected as one of these powerful cities, based on its location in the Jordan Valley and its already thriving economy.

This sponsorship by the Romans meant that the city was sure to flourish under imperial rule, but also meant that the city would have to be subject to a complete Roman overhaul when it came to art and architecture. While Pella still had its Hellenistic foundation, when the Romans began settling in the city, they built up temples, theaters, colonnaded streets, and integrated civic architecture and city planning into the pre-existing Greek city, in order to emulate Rome and assert Roman power in the newly colonized city. Pella also represents a significant location when it comes to the Jewish faith, as well as the early days of Christianity. Its been said that the city was the site of one of Christianity's earliest churches, making it a pilgrimage site for early Christians and modern Christians today. According to Eusebius of Caesarea, Pella was a refuge for Jerusalem Christians in the 1st century AD who were fleeing the Jewish–Roman wars. The fighting finally stopped when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

Pella would see its greatest power and growth during the Byzantine era. During this time, the city constructed hundreds of monasteries, and the influx of Christians into the region meant that the residential and commercial areas were also built up. It was during this time that Pella reached its greatest size. It has been recorded that Pella was one of the first Jordanian cities to initiate a Christian bishop, around the year 451 AD. The city is the site of the battle between Byzantine troops and Muslim invading forces in 635 CE (13 AH) at the Battle of Fahl. Just below the ancient site is a mosque which commemorates the death of one of the Companions of the Prophet Mohammed, who fell in battle here during the Battle of Fahl in January 635 AD.

The city proper was destroyed by the Golan earthquake of 749. A small village remains in the area. Only small portions of the ruins have been excavated.

Source: Wikipedia