 |
| Gerasa, Triumphal Arch of Hadrian |
Gerasa, or Jerash, ancient city of Jordan. It is located about 80 miles SW of the city of Damascus, and 20 miles E of the Jordan River in the mountains of Gilead. Its early history is unknown, although some believe it to be the city of Ramoth-Gilead. However, it was known to have been captured by Alexander Jannaeus about 83
B.C., and later rebuilt by the Romans
A.D. 65. It was important in the second, third, and twelfth centuries, and in early Christian times was made a bishop's see, but it seems to have been destroyed in Byzantine times. Ruins of the city still exist, and are second only to Palmyra in importance.
