Zeus Temple at Jerash in Jordan

Zeus Temple at Jerash in Jordan

Also called Temple of Jupiter • Temple of Artemis • Roman History

from AGE ™ Travel Magazine
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Zeus Jupiter Temple Gerasa Jerash Jordan

In the ancient city Jerash Gerasa in Jordan the Zeus Temple can be visited. The temple building is directly adjacent to that oval forum the ancient Roman city. In some sources, the Zeus Temple is also referred to as the Jupiter Temple. The artificial construction of the hill is remarkable in order to be able to build on this point at all. A massive barrel vault forms the underground.

The Greeks had probably built a sanctuary here in honor of the goddess Artemis before the Romans did. The Romans subsequently built on the same site in the 2nd century. The pedestal and parts of the 10 meter high temple wall have been preserved to this day. Three pillars were still in their original form, others were erected again in the course of the restoration. The oldest portion of the Zeus Temple is the lower terrace, dating from 27 AD.

The Roman city Jerash was known in the Roman Empire as Gerasa. Because parts of the Roman city of Gerasa were buried under the desert sand for a long time, there are still many well-preserved ones there points of interest & sights.


JordanJerash GerasaSightseeing Jerash Gerasa • Zeus Temple • 3D animation Zeus temple

The Temple of Zeus at Jerash Jordan is an impressive archaeological relic from the Roman Empire.

  • Roman origin: The Temple of Zeus was built during the Roman rule in Jerash in the 2nd century AD.
  • Impressive architecture: The temple is notable for its imposing Roman architecture, including the Corinthian columns and podium.
  • Zeus as the central figure: The temple was dedicated to the god Zeus, king of the Greek gods, and testifies to the worship of gods in Roman culture.
  • religious rituals: The Temple of Zeus served as a site for religious rituals and offerings, where people sought the protection and favor of the gods.
  • cultural significance: Temples like this had great cultural significance and were centers of community and faith.
  • The relationship between man and divinity: The Temple of Zeus reminds us of the deep human yearning for spirituality and the various ways in which humans have attempted to connect with divinity.
  • Architecture as a cultural expression: The architecture of the temple shows how architecture shapes not only physical structures but also religious and cultural identities.
  • The meaning of belief: The temple is a symbol of the beliefs and beliefs of Roman society and underscores the role of faith in people's lives.
  • Preservation of heritage: The preserved Temple of Zeus is a witness to the past and reminds us of the importance of preserving historical sites and cultural heritage.
  • The search for meaning: Temples like this were places of search for meaning and spiritual fulfillment. They invite you to think about the fundamental questions of life.

Before the Temple of Zeus in Jerash, Jordan was built by the Romans, there was an older temple built by the Greeks on this site. The original temple was dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis. It was an important religious site even before the time of the Roman Empire. Later, during the Roman rule of the region, this original temple was replaced by the Zeus Temple dedicated to the Roman god Zeus. This shift in religious worship and the building of new temples on the ruins of older ones was common practice in ancient times when new rulers or cultures took control of a region. The Temple of Zeus is an outstanding example of this transformation and repurposing of ancient sacred sites.


JordanJerash GerasaSightseeing Jerash Gerasa • Zeus Temple • 3D animation Zeus temple

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Source reference for text research
Information on site, as well as personal experiences when visiting the ancient city of Jerash / Gerasa in November 2019.

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