Jordan is home to some of the most fascinating remnants of ancient history, and particularly those associated with the legendary cities of the Decapolis –a group of ten Hellenistic cities that came to flourish during the Roman Empire. These cities, centers of culture, politics, and commerce, served as a bridge between the Roman world and the local populations of the region.

While the Decapolis was scattered across present-day Jordan, Syria, and Palestine, the most notable cities in Jordan –Philadelphia (modern Amman), Gerasa (modern Jerash), Gadara (modern Umm Qais), and Pella (modern Tabqet Fahel)– played a crucial role in the development of the region, and contributed massively to its rich cultural, artistic, and religious heritage.

Philadelphia, now Amman, was the heart of the Decapolis in Jordan. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, its roots extend far beyond its Hellenistic heritage. Indeed, most of these cities still preserve ruins from Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Canaanite, Hellenistic and Islamic periods. Under Roman influence, Philadelphia blossomed into a major urban center –with Roman architecture and engineering leaving a lasting impression on the landscape, both physical and spiritual, of the country. Visitors today can explore remnants of this era, including the impressive Roman Theatre, which stands as a testament to the grandeur of the city’s past.

(Downtown Amman)

Gerasa, now Jerash, is perhaps the best preserved example of a Decapolis’ city. Its ancient streets are flanked by towering columns, and the oval forum and cardo (the main thoroughfare) are remarkably intact. The city also flourished under Roman rule, boasting temples, baths and theatres, and today Jerash is one of Jordan’s most famous archaeological sites. Indeed, the annual Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts brings this ancient city to life, attracting visitors from around the world to experience both its historical and cultural significance. Even more so, the city is (indirectly) mentioned in the Gospels as part of the Decapolis, as a region where Jesus performed several miracles. One of the most famous accounts, found in the Gospel of Mark (5:1-20), tells the story of Jesus healing a demon-possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes. After casting the demons into a herd of pigs, which then rushed down a steep bank into the sea, Jesus instructs the healed man to stay and proclaim what the Lord had done for him.

(Jerash)

Further north, Gadara (modern Umm Qais) sits on a hilltop overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the Yarmouk River. In addition to being a Hellenistic cultural center, Gadara was home to a number of notable philosophers and poets –Menippus, Meleager, Philodemus. Today, the site offers sweeping views of the Jordan Valley and serves as a tranquil yet fascinating glimpse into the region’s Hellenistic and Roman past. Some scholars debate whether it was here in Gadara or in Jerash where the exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac took place. Indeed, this city was a bishopric see since Late Antiquity.

(Umm Qais)

Pella, west of modern Irbid, completes the Jordanian Decapolis cities. Like the others, it flourished under Hellenistic and Roman influence. The site, rich in archaeological finds, reveals layers of history dating back to the Bronze Age, and well into the Byzantine period of the region, making it one of the oldest Christian cities in the region. For pilgrims and tourists alike, Pella offers a fascinating journey through time, from its ancient settlement to its role within the Decapolis.

(Pella)

The legacy of the Decapolis Cities in Jordan offers historical insight, connecting modern Jordan to its ancient past. Through the impressive ruins and archaeological remains, one can trace the influence of Hellenistic and Roman culture, traditions, and religions on the local population, from the introduction of new architectural styles to the blending of different religious practices. Today, Jordan embraces this heritage, making the cities of the Decapolis an integral part of its cultural identity and a major attraction for those wishing to explore the crossroads of ancient civilizations.