Temple of Artemis | Jerash

Information

Landmark: Temple of Artemis
City: Jerash
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Temple of Artemis, Jerash, Jordan, Asia

The Temple of Artemis is a 2nd-century Roman peripteral temple dedicated to the patron goddess of Gerasa, located at the highest point of the ancient city in Jerash. It occupies a central position within the archaeological park, connected to the Cardo Maximus via a monumental processional way and a grand staircase.

Visual Characteristics

The temple stands on a high podium measuring 40 by 22.6 meters, originally surrounded by a portico of 6 by 11 columns. Eleven of the original 12-meter-high Corinthian columns remain standing, featuring deeply carved acanthus leaf capitals and weathered limestone drums. The stone is a uniform golden-beige, while the surrounding courtyard, or temenos, is littered with massive fragments of fallen architraves and pediments.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated in the central-western sector of the Jerash Archaeological Park, approximately 51km north of Amman. From the main South Gate entrance, visitors must walk 800 meters north along the Cardo Maximus to the Propylaeum, then ascend a series of three monumental flights of stairs. No vehicle access is permitted within the ruins; the nearest parking is the central lot at the Jerash Visitor Center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction took place between 150 and 170 CE during the Antonine period, though the structure was never fully completed. It was built over the foundations of an earlier Hellenistic sanctuary to take advantage of the hilltop's commanding elevation. The building material is local nummulitic limestone, a durable sedimentary rock extracted from nearby quarries in the Ajloun hills.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the "swaying columns" phenomenon, where the massive pillars move slightly in the wind due to their precision-engineered joints. The walk up the Propylaeum stairs provides a view of the symmetrical layout of the processional way. Archaeological inspection of the cella interior reveals the original niches where statues of Artemis were once housed.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no restrooms, shade structures, or water fountains at the temple site; the closest facilities are 400 meters south near the South Theatre or at the main entrance. The area is highly exposed to sun and wind. 4G/5G cellular reception is excellent due to the site's high elevation. All food and beverage services are located outside the park's perimeter.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is late afternoon when the setting sun hits the eastern facade, turning the limestone a deep amber color. Spring months (March–May) offer manageable temperatures for the steep climb to the temple. High summer (July–August) should be avoided between 12:00 and 15:00 due to intense heat and lack of shade on the terrace.

Facts & Legends

A popular demonstration involves inserting a spoon or finger into the gap between a column drum and its base to feel the stone vibrating or "swaying" during high winds, a testament to Roman seismic engineering. Historically, the temple was converted into a fortress by a small Arab garrison in the 12th century before being partially destroyed by the Crusaders.