Just under an hour north of Amman, Gerash (now part of the modern city of Jerash) was one of the most important and prosperous cities of Graeco-Roman antiquity, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. Once encircled by a doughty wall, it’s home to a forum, baths, a hippodrome, gorgeous private houses, markets, and shops. Emperors Hadrian and Trajan visited and were each honoured with a triumphal arch. Read more about other Jordanian treasures in our post Beyond Petra: 5 Dramatic Desert Treasures of Jordan.

(HildaWeges Photography)