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Jerash - Temple of Zeus

Aerial view of Temple of Zeus Oval Plaza and Theater Jerash Figure 3 1.

Aerial view of Zeus Sanctuary, Oval Piazza, and South Theatre (APAAME_08.DLK-40)

Kehrberg (2018)


Introduction
ChatGPT Introduction

  • from Chat GPT 4o, 22 June 2025
The Temple of Zeus in Jerash (ancient Gerasa) occupies a commanding position on a terrace overlooking the city's southern tetrapylon and Oval Plaza. This sanctuary was likely constructed during the reign of Emperor Hadrian in the early 2nd century CE, though evidence of a preceding sacred space suggests earlier cultic activity.

The temple represents one of the most prominent examples of Roman religious architecture in provincial Syria. It was designed in the Corinthian order, with a peripteral colonnade of 6 × 9 columns set atop a high podium accessed by a monumental stairway.

Excavations have revealed that the sanctuary complex included not only the main temple but also an altar platform and monumental gateway. Several columns were re-erected during 20th-century restoration. Inscriptions and architectural parallels suggest the cult of Zeus remained active through the Roman and early Byzantine periods, possibly undergoing adaptation in later phases.

The temple sustained heavy damage during the 749 CE Sabbatical Year Quakes, which caused the collapse of its roof and much of its colonnade. Archaeological evidence shows extensive structural failure and later spoliation. Despite its ruin, the temple’s remains continued to shape the sacred and visual landscape of Jerash in the centuries that followed.

Jerash - Introduction Webpage

Aerial Views and Plans
Aerial Views and Plans

Aerial Views

  • Jerash Temple of Zeus in Google Earth
    Jerash Temple of Zeus

    click on image to explore this site on a new tab in Google Earth

Plans

Site Plans

  • General Plan of Jerash
    Plan of Jerash. North is to the right.

    Holger Behr - Wikipedia - Public Domain
    from Wikipedia

Area Plans

Temple of Zeus

Normal Size

  • Fig. 2 - Chronological evolution
    Figure 2

    Chronological evolution of the sanctuary of Zeus in Gerasa.

    1. Extension of the sanctuary around 125 BC
    2. Extension at the turn of BC/AD
    3. Extension in 27-28 AD
    4. Addition at the beginning of the 2nd century AD
    5. Addition at the beginning of the 2nd century AD

    (study by J. Seigne, DAO, C. Kholmayer, Th. Lepaon)

    Seigne (1985)
    of the sanctuary of Zeus at Jerash from Seigne (1985)

Magnified

  • Fig. 2 - Chronological evolution
    Figure 2

    Chronological evolution of the sanctuary of Zeus in Gerasa.

    1. Extension of the sanctuary around 125 BC
    2. Extension at the turn of BC/AD
    3. Extension in 27-28 AD
    4. Addition at the beginning of the 2nd century AD
    5. Addition at the beginning of the 2nd century AD

    (study by J. Seigne, DAO, C. Kholmayer, Th. Lepaon)

    Seigne (1985)
    of the sanctuary of Zeus at Jerash from Seigne (1985)

Chronology
Chronology

Stratigraphy of the Cistern

Layer Date Comments
3 Byzantine layer of greenish-gray clay, very compact and strongly mixed with plant materials (wood, herbs, etc.) and some bones of small animals (birds, goats, etc.). This deposit, homogeneous, laminated, and thick of about 1.50 m, is the result of an accumulation by settling in an aqueous medium of suspended organic materials. It is particularly remarkable for the extraordinary amount of ceramic material it contained. In the excavated part alone, 232 ribbed jars, 25 pots, 8 lamps, etc. were collected, intact or broken. Many objects of glass, bronze and bone were associated with them, as well as 36 coins. All these objects were evenly distributed in height in the clay mass. They were therefore abandoned gradually, for the duration of the layer 3
2 Umayyad level of compact red clay soil mixed with small stones. This stratum, 0.25 to 0.30 m thick, completely covered layer 3. Practically horizontal, it was set up, like the previous one in an aquatic environment. It contained little material. This stratum was itself sealed by a small level (2A) of powdered mortar and boulders from the collapse of part of the ceiling. The blocks, sometimes bulky (80, 100 kg) were only slightly sunk into the red clay layer, indicating that the tank was dried up at the time of their fall, as the clay and underlying deposits had time to harden.
1 Umayyad unlike the previous ones, this layer did not correspond to an accumulation in an aqueous medium and had kept a conical shape, the maximum thickness (0.60 m) being normally located above the opening of the tank. It was formed of dark brown earth, very loose, mixed with stones and especially bones of various animals (sheep, goats, etc.), sometimes remained in anatomical connection (legs, fragments of spine, etc.). The remains of a human skeleton were found mixed with these animal bones. The finds included two coins, a large quantity of ceramics and glass and above all a rich set of objects in bone, ivory, soapstone, and bronze. Fragments of Ionic capitals, window railings, frieze blocks, etc., from the facades of the sanctuary were also found.

1st Cistern Earthquake - 7th century CE

Discussion

Rasson and Seigne (1989) reported on excavations of a cistern at the Temple of Zeus. Two distinct seismic destruction events were identified—one in the 7th century CE and another in the 8th. The earlier event caused partial collapse of the cistern roof. Beneath this collapse layer, ceramics from the Umayyad period indicated the earthquake likely struck in the mid-7th century CE. Gawlikowski (1992:358) reported further evidence for a 7th-century CE earthquake from a vaulted corridor on the lower terrace, where a herd of goats and a kid goat were buried. The presence of a Byzantine coin with an Arab countermark suggests the event occurred after the start of Muslim rule. According to Gawlikowski, the age of a kid indicates that the cataclysm took place in May–June. These findings support the interpretation that the earlier earthquake corresponds to the Jordan Valley Quake(s).

References

Seigne (1989)

ChatGPT Summary

Excavations at the cistern beneath the Temple of Zeus revealed two seismic destruction episodes. The first event caused partial roof collapse and was associated with ceramic material dated to the early Umayyad period, suggesting a mid-7th century CE earthquake. The second event produced a more complete collapse, sealing a destruction layer that included a human skeleton, animal bones, and architectural debris such as Ionic capitals and fragments of frieze blocks. This deposit also contained a coin struck in Jerash between 694 and 710 CE, providing a terminus post quem for the final collapse.

Following the second event, the cistern was sealed and abandoned. The stratigraphy indicates that the collapse layer was undisturbed, suggesting rapid deposition following the seismic event and a lack of subsequent human activity within the cistern.

Gawlikowski (1992)

Chat GPT Summary of Archaeoseismic Evidence

Excavations on the decumanus South in Jerash uncovered an Umayyad house built atop an earlier destruction layer. The collapsed debris had been cleared and deposited on either side of the construction area.

Coins of Constans II were found in the fill and on the ground surface, while locally minted Arab-Byzantine coins were recovered below the floor of the house. These finds suggest a terminus post quem in the mid-to-late 7th century CE for the destruction episode.

The author attributes the earlier destruction to the Jordan Valley Quake(s) of 659 CE based on stratified material and historical parallels. The reoccupation layer includes subsequent architectural development, including floors, installations, and new walls built directly into the cleared area.

A second collapse marks the end of occupation at the site. A coin dated to 770 CE was found in this upper layer. While no later materials were present, the final destruction is assigned to the end of the Umayyad period, in the late 8th century CE.

Later reuse of the site includes industrial activity, such as a lime kiln and pottery production, situated on top of the destroyed house, indicating post-quake adaptive reuse. The architectural and ceramic sequence shows a clear pattern of reuse, destruction, and redevelopment consistent with earthquake damage.

Rasson and Seigne (1989)

Chat GPT Summary of Archaeoseismic Evidence

Excavation of a vaulted cistern beneath the sanctuary terrace of the Temple of Zeus in Jerash revealed evidence of two distinct seismic events.

The first, less violent event caused partial roof collapse. Ceramics from the collapse layer dated to the early Umayyad period suggest a mid-7th century CE earthquake.

The second event caused complete collapse of the vault. Sealed beneath the rubble were architectural fragments, a human skeleton, and animal bones. Objects included Ionic capitals, window railings, and frieze blocks from the sanctuary facade.

A rich assemblage below the collapse included ceramics dated to the early 8th century and a coin struck in Jerash between 694–710 CE, providing a firm terminus post quem for this final event.

After the second collapse, the cistern was hermetically sealed and abandoned, preserving the stratigraphy in pristine condition.

2nd Cistern Earthquake - 8th century CE

Rasson and Seigne (1989) reported on excavations of a cistern beneath the Temple of Zeus at Jerash. Two episodes of seismic destruction were identified— one in the 7th century CE, and a more violent one in the 8th. The second collapse event left a destruction layer filled with architectural fragments, animal bones, and a human skeleton. Following this event, the cistern was hermetically sealed and abandoned. A rich set of objects was uncovered beneath the collapse layer, including ceramics dating up to the first half of the 8th century CE and an Umayyad coin minted in Jerash between 694 and 710 CE. The destruction layer also included fragments of Ionic capitals, window railings, frieze blocks, etc., from the facades of the sanctuary.

References

Seigne (1989)

ChatGPT Summary

Excavations at the cistern beneath the Temple of Zeus revealed two seismic destruction episodes. The first event caused partial roof collapse and was associated with ceramic material dated to the early Umayyad period, suggesting a mid-7th century CE earthquake. The second event produced a more complete collapse, sealing a destruction layer that included a human skeleton, animal bones, and architectural debris such as Ionic capitals and fragments of frieze blocks. This deposit also contained a coin struck in Jerash between 694 and 710 CE, providing a terminus post quem for the final collapse.

Following the second event, the cistern was sealed and abandoned. The stratigraphy indicates that the collapse layer was undisturbed, suggesting rapid deposition following the seismic event and a lack of subsequent human activity within the cistern.

Gawlikowski (1992)

Chat GPT Summary of Archaeoseismic Evidence

Excavations on the decumanus South in Jerash uncovered an Umayyad house built atop an earlier destruction layer. The collapsed debris had been cleared and deposited on either side of the construction area.

Coins of Constans II were found in the fill and on the ground surface, while locally minted Arab-Byzantine coins were recovered below the floor of the house. These finds suggest a terminus post quem in the mid-to-late 7th century CE for the destruction episode.

The author attributes the earlier destruction to the Jordan Valley Quake(s) of 659 CE based on stratified material and historical parallels. The reoccupation layer includes subsequent architectural development, including floors, installations, and new walls built directly into the cleared area.

A second collapse marks the end of occupation at the site. A coin dated to 770 CE was found in this upper layer. While no later materials were present, the final destruction is assigned to the end of the Umayyad period, in the late 8th century CE.

Later reuse of the site includes industrial activity, such as a lime kiln and pottery production, situated on top of the destroyed house, indicating post-quake adaptive reuse. The architectural and ceramic sequence shows a clear pattern of reuse, destruction, and redevelopment consistent with earthquake damage.

Rasson and Seigne (1989)

Chat GPT Summary of Archaeoseismic Evidence

Excavation of a vaulted cistern beneath the sanctuary terrace of the Temple of Zeus in Jerash revealed evidence of two distinct seismic events.

The first, less violent event caused partial roof collapse. Ceramics from the collapse layer dated to the early Umayyad period suggest a mid-7th century CE earthquake.

The second event caused complete collapse of the vault. Sealed beneath the rubble were architectural fragments, a human skeleton, and animal bones. Objects included Ionic capitals, window railings, and frieze blocks from the sanctuary facade.

A rich assemblage below the collapse included ceramics dated to the early 8th century and a coin struck in Jerash between 694–710 CE, providing a firm terminus post quem for this final event.

After the second collapse, the cistern was hermetically sealed and abandoned, preserving the stratigraphy in pristine condition.

Seismic Effects
1st Cistern Earthquake - 7th century CE

Effect Location Image(s) Description
  • Ceiling collapse - i.e. Vault collapse    
 Cistern
  • This stratum was itself sealed by a small level (2A) of powdered mortar and boulders from the collapse of part of the ceiling. The blocks, sometimes bulky (80, 100 kg) were only slightly sunk into the red clay layer, indicating that the tank was dried up at the time of their fall, as the clay and underlying deposits had time to harden - Rasson and Seigne (1989)
  • Vault collapse           
 vaulted corridor of the lower terrace
  • Gawlikowski (1992:358) reports that a herd of goats were found buried beneath vaulted corridor of the lower terrace

2nd Cistern Earthquake - 8th century CE

Effect Location Image(s) Description
  • Wall collapse           
  • Fallen Columns
  • Skeletons of animals and humans (cause of death unknown)
 architectural collapse from the facades of the sanctuary found in the Cistern
  • unlike the previous ones, this layer did not correspond to an accumulation in an aqueous medium and had kept a conical shape, the maximum thickness (0.60 m) being normally located above the opening of the tank. It was formed of dark brown earth, very loose, mixed with stones and especially bones of various animals (sheep, goats, etc.), sometimes remained in anatomical connection (legs, fragments of spine, etc.). The remains of a human skeleton were found mixed with these animal bones. The finds included two coins, a large quantity of ceramics and glass and above all a rich set of objects in bone, ivory, soapstone, and bronze. Fragments of Ionic capitals, window railings, frieze blocks, etc., from the facades of the sanctuary were also found. - Rasson and Seigne (1989)
  • Human remains
 the Cistern
  • unlike the previous ones, this layer did not correspond to an accumulation in an aqueous medium and had kept a conical shape, the maximum thickness (0.60 m) being normally located above the opening of the tank. It was formed of dark brown earth, very loose, mixed with stones and especially bones of various animals (sheep, goats, etc.), sometimes remained in anatomical connection (legs, fragments of spine, etc.). The remains of a human skeleton were found mixed with these animal bones. - Rasson and Seigne (1989)

Intensity Estimates
1st Cistern Earthquake - 7th century CE

Effect Location Image(s) Description Intensity
  • Ceiling collapse - i.e. Vault collapse    
 Cistern
  • This stratum was itself sealed by a small level (2A) of powdered mortar and boulders from the collapse of part of the ceiling. The blocks, sometimes bulky (80, 100 kg) were only slightly sunk into the red clay layer, indicating that the tank was dried up at the time of their fall, as the clay and underlying deposits had time to harden - Rasson and Seigne (1989)
 VIII +
  • Vault collapse           
 vaulted corridor of the lower terrace
  • Gawlikowski (1992:358) reports that a herd of goats were found buried beneath vaulted corridor of the lower terrace
 VIII +
The archeoseismic evidence requires a minimum Intensity of VIII (8) when using the Earthquake Archeological Effects chart of Rodríguez-Pascua et al (2013: 221-224).

2nd Cistern Earthquake - 8th century CE

Effect Location Image(s) Description Intensity
  • Wall collapse           
  • Fallen Columns
  • Skeletons of animals and humans (cause of death unknown)
 architectural collapse from the facades of the sanctuary found in the Cistern
  • unlike the previous ones, this layer did not correspond to an accumulation in an aqueous medium and had kept a conical shape, the maximum thickness (0.60 m) being normally located above the opening of the tank. It was formed of dark brown earth, very loose, mixed with stones and especially bones of various animals (sheep, goats, etc.), sometimes remained in anatomical connection (legs, fragments of spine, etc.). The remains of a human skeleton were found mixed with these animal bones. The finds included two coins, a large quantity of ceramics and glass and above all a rich set of objects in bone, ivory, soapstone, and bronze. Fragments of Ionic capitals, window railings, frieze blocks, etc., from the facades of the sanctuary were also found. - Rasson and Seigne (1989)
  • VIII+
  • V+
  • ?
The archeoseismic evidence requires a minimum Intensity of VIII (8) when using the Earthquake Archeological Effects chart of Rodríguez-Pascua et al (2013: 221-224).

Notes and Further Reading
References

Articles and Books

Gawlikowski, M. (1992). "Installations Omayyades à Jérash." Studies in the history and archaeology of Jordan. Department of Antiquities, Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan-Amman. Vol. 4 04.

Rasson, A.M. and Seigne, J. and (1989). "Une citerne byzantino-omeyyade sur le sanctuaire de Zeus." Syria. Archéologie, Art et histoire: 117-151.

SEIGNE, Jacques. Limites des espaces sacrés antiques : permanences et évolutions, quelques exemples orientaux In: Espaces sacrés dans la Méditerranée antique [online]. Rennes: Presses universitaires de Rennes, 2016

Websites

Sancturay of Zeus at universes.art