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[edit] Overview
Jerash (Arabic: جرش) is one of the governorates of Jordan; it is located north of Amman, Jordan's capital. It carrys the name of its capital and largest city, Jerash City. Jerash Governorate has the second highest density in Jordan after Irbid Governorate.
[edit] History
In the first century of the Christian era this insignificant city (then Gerasa) experienced a fast ascent under Roman rule and the Pax Romana. It became part of the Decapolis and grew increasingly competitive with the older Petra as a commercial town. The inhabitants won ore in the nearby Ajlun mountains. Starting in the middle of the First Century this upswing led to active building and a rich abundance of architectural monuments, still impressive today. In the Second Century the Roman expansion wars in Asia led to further gains. Well-made roads were built to Pella, Philadelphia (now Amman), Dion and to the provincial capital Bos(t)ra. Emperor Hadrian visited the city in the winter of 129-130. In the following centuries the political situation in this region changed fundamentally and the city's means declined. During this time also Christianity was on the ascendant and many churches were built. Gerasa had its own bishop—still today it is a Titularbistum—and bishop Placcus (or Plancus) participated in the Council of Chalcedon. Nicomachus of Gerasa came from this Gerasa.
