The Cardo, a Latin term for "heart", was a north-south oriented street in Roman cities, military camps, and colonies. It was the part of the city around which the rest of the urban plan was designed. The Cardo in Jerash was the city's main artery, a route where grand processions were once held, and where trade and commerce thrived.
The Cardo of Jerash, stretching over 800 meters, is still paved with the original stones. The ruts worn by chariots in ancient times are visible even today, a silent reminder of the bustling life that once filled the streets of the city.
The Cardo was an engineering marvel of its time. An underground sewage system ran the full length of the Cardo, with regular holes at the sides of the street draining rainwater into the sewers. The street was lined with columns, creating a magnificent colonnade that framed the bustling street life of the ancient city.
As you tread along the Colonnaded Street of Jerash Jordan, you will come across numerous attractions, each with its own unique charm and historical significance. These attractions provide a glimpse into the everyday life of the inhabitants of ancient Jerash.
At the start of the Colonnaded Street, you will find the Nymphaeum, a public fountain built in the 2nd century AD. The Nymphaeum was fed by water channeled from the Siq, a narrow gorge leading into the city. Today, you can still see the remains of this ancient fountain, recognizable by the huge 450-year-old pistachio tree that provides welcome shade in the intense heat of the Jordanian summer.
Continuing along the Colonnaded Street, you will come across the remains of the market area. This was once a bustling hub where traders from all over the region came to sell their goods. Today, all that remains are the foundations of the stalls and shops that once lined the street. But even these ruins are enough to paint a vivid picture of the vibrant commerce that took place here in ancient times.
Towards the end of the Colonnaded Street, you will find the ruins of the Royal Palace. This grand structure, spread over a wide platform, was once a symbol of the city's prosperity and the power of its rulers. Although the palace is now in ruins, its grandeur can still be felt as you walk among its ancient stones.
The Colonnaded Street culminates at the Temenos Gateway. This grand structure, built in the 2nd century AD, marked the entrance to the sacred courtyard of the Qasr Al Bint. The gateway was once adorned with floral friezes and a figure with an arrow, indicating its importance and grandeur.
Walking down the Colonnaded Street of Jerash Jordan is like taking a stroll down memory lane. The ruts left by the carts, the remains of the market stalls, and the grand columns that line the street all tell a tale of a time long past. The Colonnaded Street is a living museum, a place where history comes alive.
The Colonnaded Street of Jerash Jordan is a treasure trove of history and culture. It offers a unique glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur and sophistication of an ancient civilization. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to the Colonnaded Street is sure to leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich heritage of Jerash.
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