Jarash Hinterland Survey

Jarash - the Graeco-Roman city of Gerasa (officially Antioch on the Golden River) - is one of the faster growing towns of modern Jordan. The modern town overlies the eastern half of the ancient city and in recent years has flowed over and well beyond the ancient walls on that side. The western half of Gerasa with its well-known monuments, was designated an archaeological park and protected within the well-preserved city walls on that side. Beyond the walls were several well-known tombs but until relatively recently there was little construction on that side. That has all changed very rapidly and, while the Department of Antiquities of Jordan is alert for building work disturbing ancient remains, much construction of new houses, road-building and farming is eroding lesser traces of the ancient city beyond the walls.

There was a need to undertake a systematic survey of the area immediately beyond the walls of the ancient city, especially on the south, west and north where most new development is taking place. One season of survey took place in 2005 and a second is under preparation for September 2008.