Swaying Columns and Echoes – Jerash That Still Breathes

Stone steps lead up the hill, where the afternoon light shines through the columns of the Temple of Artemis. Towering Corinthian stone columns, over ten meters high, have stood proudly since the 2nd century AD. This temple was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, the deity of hunting, moonlight, and fertility, who was the protector of Jerash during that era. If the Forum was the social heart of the city, Jerash also had a spiritual heart perched high on the hill—the Temple of Artemis. Built around the 2nd century AD, it was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, revered as the city's divine guardian. Looking up from the lower courtyard, one can see the majestic Corinthian columns, over 11 meters tall, lined up in grandeur. Though the roof and upper sections have crumbled over time, the few remaining columns are enough to evoke the magnificence that once covered the entire hill. • Elevated Position The temple's placement on high ground makes it seem as though the goddess watches over the city below every day. The stone stairway leading up from the city's main street symbolizes a transition from the mundane world to the sacred realm. • Rituals and Faith For the townspeople, ascending to worship was not merely an act of devotion but intertwined with daily life—farmers might pray for abundant crops, mothers might wish for their children's safety, and travelers might offer sacrifices for protection before embarking on their journeys. One fascinating feature of this site is the "swaying columns." Despite their massive and sturdy appearance, if you place a spoon or coin at the base's gap and apply slight pressure, the column will indeed move. This is evidence of ingenious Roman engineering, designed to make the columns flexible enough to absorb earthquake vibrations—a testament to the concept of structural safety that existed over two millennia ago. Adjacent to the temple is the South Theater, which remains intact and functional. It can accommodate around 3,000 spectators. A simple clap or soft speech at the center of the stage can be heard clearly in the uppermost rows. This natural acoustic system, without the need for amplifiers, showcases the Romans' understanding of sound resonance. As you step away from the ruins of the temple and theater, the scene shifts to shepherds resting against piles of stones, with flocks of goats grazing nearby. In the background lies the modern city enveloping the ancient ruins. This image vividly illustrates that Jerash is not merely an open-air museum but a place where "past and present" coexist harmoniously.