Temple of Zeus

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

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Aerial Views and Plans

Aerial Views

Jerash Temple of Zeus in Google Earth

Jerash Temple of Zeus

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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
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)
evolution of the sanctuary of Zeus at Jerash from Seigne (1985)
Plate I - Lower terrace

Plate I

Lower terrace of sanctuary of Zeus (Jerash). Arrangement of grid.

Tholbecq (2000)

of the sanctuary of Zeus at Jerash from Tholbecq (2000)
Plate II - Late Islamic

Plate II

Late Islamic structures in the southwest corner of the lower terrace of the sanctuary of Zeus (Jerash).

Tholbecq (2000)

structures in SW corner of the sanctuary of Zeus from Tholbecq (2000)

Magnified

Fig. 2 - Chronological
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)
evolution of the sanctuary of Zeus at Jerash from Seigne (1985)
Plate I - Lower terrace

Plate I

Lower terrace of sanctuary of Zeus (Jerash). Arrangement of grid.

Tholbecq (2000)

of the sanctuary of Zeus at Jerash from Tholbecq (2000)
Plate II - Late Islamic

Plate II

Late Islamic structures in the southwest corner of the lower terrace of the sanctuary of Zeus (Jerash).

Tholbecq (2000)

structures in SW corner of the sanctuary of Zeus from Tholbecq (2000)

Chronology

Stratigraphy of the Cistern

from Rasson and Seigne (1989)

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

from Chat GPT 4o, 22 June 2025
sources: Seigne (1989)

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

from Chat GPT 4o, 22 June 2025
from Gawlikowski (1992)

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

from Chat GPT 4o, 22 June 2025
from Rasson and Seigne (1989)

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

from Chat GPT 4o, 22 June 2025
sources: Seigne (1989)

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

from Chat GPT 4o, 22 June 2025
from Gawlikowski (1992)

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

from Chat GPT 4o, 22 June 2025
from Rasson and Seigne (1989)

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.

Mamluk (?) Earthquake (?)

Tholbecq (2000:154-155) describes what was likely a residential struture in the lower terrace of the Temple of Zeus which had one occupation phase, "interrupted by what appears to have been a violent destruction of the building." He further notes that "levels containing medieval ceramics were discovered beneath the collapse of the eastern façade of the lower terrace," a finding that, in his view, "implies that, as with the northern part of the hippodrome, part of the monument survived the 8th-century earthquake and only collapsed much later". Based on this, Tholbecq (2000:154-155) concludes that "in these various sectors [Hippodrome and Temple of Zeus], the excavators in fact identified two levels of violent destruction: the first appears to have resulted from military action (arrowheads), the second from an earthquake".

References

Tholbecq (2000)

Chat GPT Summary of Archaeoseismic Evidence

from Chat GPT 4o, 16 July 2025
from Tholbecq (2000)

Two episodes of violent destruction were recognized in the lower terrace of the Zeus sanctuary at Jerash. The first is attributed to military action, based on the discovery of arrowheads. The second, however, is linked to an earthquake, as explicitly noted in the excavation record.

Additional earthquake-related evidence comes from the eastern façade of the terrace, where medieval occupation layers were sealed beneath a later collapse. This collapse is thought to have occurred long after the well-known 8th-century earthquake, which had already damaged parts of the monument, including the northern section of the hippodrome.

Stratigraphic associations and ceramic typologies suggest that occupation continued through the Mamluk and into the Ottoman periods. A report by Jacques Seigne (unpublished, 1987) is cited as providing new evidence for dating earthquakes at Jerash, supporting the idea that seismic events were responsible for at least some of the destruction observed in the medieval phases of reuse.

The northwestern part of the temenos and the adjacent areas show signs of rural domestic habitation destroyed by what appears to be a sudden and violent event. A similar destruction episode was observed above rooms in the hippodrome, which was described as the last part of the building to collapse—again likely due to an earthquake. Based on ceramics, Ostrasz (1993) suggested that this collapse could have occurred during the Mamluk period.

Archaeological evidence and written sources

Archaeological traces from the medieval period at Jerash

Oval Plaza and Lower Terrace of the Sanctuary of Zeus

English

from Tholbecq (2000:154–155)

c) The Oval Plaza, excavated by G.L. Harding, was occupied by “Umayyad structures and remains from the Ayyubid-Mamluk period.”⁸ To my knowledge, the attribution of these ruins to the Ayyubid-Mamluk period is based solely on the associated ceramics. There is no doubt that these structures are related to the installations excavated in the lower temenos of the Sanctuary of Zeus. Based on our current knowledge, these structures seem to constitute the core of a medieval reoccupation in the heart of the ancient city.

Indeed, several areas of the lower terrace of the Temple of Zeus have preserved significant stratified medieval modifications; three sectors have been identified:

– In the northwest section, between the inner western façade and the naos (squares AP–AT/106–108), a room probably corresponding to the residential part of a small rural dwelling was uncovered. It was bounded on the west by the eastern wall of the western vaulted corridor of the sanctuary, and enclosed to the south and east by small walls made of rubble and earth. The northern part of the structure was destroyed during the first clearing works carried out before 1982. One occupation phase was identified there, interrupted by what appears to have been a violent destruction of the building.⁹

– In the southwest corner of the courtyard (square AH 107), a complex including houses, sheepfolds (?), and enclosures was studied¹⁰ (Pl. II).

– In addition, levels containing medieval ceramics were discovered beneath the collapse of the eastern façade of the lower terrace. A rough wall, perpendicular to the eastern façade of the sanctuary, was uncovered, along with a beaten-earth floor. This implies that, as with the northern part of the hippodrome, part of the monument survived the 8th-century earthquake and only collapsed much later.¹¹ In these various sectors, the excavators in fact identified two levels of violent destruction: the first appears to have resulted from military action (arrowheads), the second from an earthquake.¹²

Footnotes

8 L. Harding, The Antiquities of Jordan (1967), p. 81; F. Zayadine, Jerash Archaeological Project, 1981–1983, I (Amman, 1986), p. 18: “(...) extensive occupation of the Umayyad period was excavated by G.L. Harding in the oval Plaza, together with Ayyubid-Mamluk remains.” Some photographs of these now-vanished buildings are preserved at the Department of Antiquities (Amman).

9 J. Seigne, Special Report No. 1 for 1986, a lot of so-called Mamluk ceramics, unpublished.

10 J. Seigne, Special Report No. 7 for 1985, a lot of so-called Mamluk ceramics, unpublished.

11 J. Seigne, Special Report No. 3 for 1987, a lot of Mamluk ceramics (new evidence for the dating of earthquakes at Jerash), unpublished.

12 J. Seigne, Special Report No. 5 for 1988, Mamluk ceramics, unpublished.

French

from Tholbecq (2000:154–155)

c) La place ovale, dégagée par G.L. Harding, était occupée par des établissements « omeyyades et des vestiges d’époque ayyoubide-mamelouke ».⁸ À ma connaissance, l’attribution de ces ruines à l’époque ayyoubide-mamelouke repose uniquement sur la céramique associée. Il ne fait pas de doute que ces structures sont à rapprocher des établissements fouillés dans le téménos inférieur du sanctuaire de Zeus. Dans l’état actuel de nos connaissances, ces structures semblent constituer le noyau d’une réinstallation médiévale au cœur de l’antique cité.

En effet, plusieurs secteurs de la terrasse inférieure du temple de Zeus ont conservé d’importants aménagements médiévaux stratifiés ; trois ensembles ont été identifiés :

– Dans la partie nord-ouest, entre la façade intérieure ouest et le naos (carrés AP–AT/106–108), une salle correspondant vraisemblablement à la partie habitée d’un petit habitat rural a été dégagée ; elle était limitée à l’ouest par le mur oriental du couloir voûté ouest du sanctuaire et clôturée, au sud et à l’est, par des murettes en blocage de pierre et de terre. La partie nord de la construction fut détruite lors des premiers dégagements effectués avant 1982. Une phase d’occupation y a été reconnue, interrompue par la destruction, apparemment violente, de la bâtisse.⁹

– Dans l’angle sud-ouest de la cour (carré AH 107), un ensemble associant maisons, bergeries (?) et enclos a été étudié¹⁰ (Pl. II).

– D’autre part, des niveaux comprenant de la céramique médiévale furent mis au jour sous l’effondrement de la façade orientale de la terrasse inférieure. Un mur grossier, perpendiculaire à la façade est du sanctuaire fut dégagé, associé à un sol de terre battue. Ceci implique que, comme pour la partie nord de l’hippodrome, une partie du monument a survécu au tremblement de terre du VIII^e siècle, et ne s’est effondrée que bien plus tard.¹¹ Dans ces différents secteurs, les fouilleurs ont en effet reconnu deux niveaux de destruction violente ; le premier serait consécutif à un fait militaire (pointes de flèches), le deuxième à un séisme.¹²

Footnotes

8 L. Harding, The Antiquities of Jordan (1967), p. 81 ; F. Zayadine, Jerash Archaeological Project, 1981–1983, I (Amman, 1986), p. 18 : « (…) extensive occupation of the Umayyad period was excavated by G.L. Harding in the oval Plaza, together with Ayyubid-Mamluk remains. » Quelques photographies de ces bâtiments aujourd’hui disparus sont conservées au Department of Antiquities (Amman).

9 J. Seigne, Rapport spécial n° 1 pour 1986, un lot de céramique dite mamelouke, non publié.

10 J. Seigne, Rapport spécial n° 7 pour 1985, un lot de céramique dite mamelouke, non publié.

11 J. Seigne, Rapport spécial n° 3 pour 1987, un lot de céramique mamelouke (nouvelles évidences pour la datation des tremblements de terre survenus à Jérash), non publié.

12 J. Seigne, Rapport spécial n° 5 pour 1988, céramique mamelouke, non publié.

Medieval Traces near the Hippodrome

English

from Tholbecq (2000:155-156)

d) Some 200 meters south of the Temple of Zeus, the hippodrome has preserved a few signs of occupation from the same period. Medieval archaeological traces were observed in destruction layers located above rooms to the north and northeast of the building. This part of the structure was the last to collapse, following an earthquake. Based on the ceramics, Antoni Ostrasz did not rule out the possibility that the disaster occurred during the “Mamluk” period. These traces are evidence of a light, episodic presence, linked to agricultural activities which the excavator imagined were carried out in the northern third of the hippodrome by the inhabitants of the hamlet located further north.

In the current state of our knowledge, it seems that the southern part of the ancient city did indeed constitute the main core of the medieval settlement, while the less-ruined portions of classical structures scattered elsewhere on the site were partially reused (Temple of Artemis, North Theatre, and hippodrome). It would now be useful to complete our picture of the site by creating a map of occupation in the surrounding countryside during the later periods.

French

from Tholbecq (2000:155-156)

À quelque deux cent mètres au sud du temple de Zeus, l’hippodrome a conservé quelques témoignages d’une occupation de la même époque. Les traces archéologiques médiévales ont été observées dans des niveaux de destruction situés au-dessus de chambres au nord et au nord-est du bâtiment. Cette partie de l’édifice est la dernière à s’être ruinée, suite à un tremblement de terre. Sur base de la céramique, Antoni Ostrasz n’excluait pas que la catastrophe ait pu se produire à l’époque « mamelouke ». Ces traces sont le témoignage d’une présence légère, épisodique, liée à des activités agricoles que le fouilleur imaginait avoir été pratiquées dans le tiers septentrional de l’hippodrome par les habitants du hameau situé plus au nord.

Dans l’état actuel de nos connaissances, il semble donc que le sud de la ville antique ait effectivement constitué le noyau principal de l’établissement médiéval, tandis que les parties les moins ruinées des édifices classiques répartis ailleurs sur le site étaient partiellement réutilisées (temple d’Artémis, théâtre nord et hippodrome). Il serait désormais intéressant de compléter notre image du site en dressant une carte de l’occupation des campagnes environnantes aux époques tardives.

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)

1st Cistern Earthquake - 7th century CE

Earthquake Archeological Effects chart

Earthquake Archeological Effects (EAE)

Rodríguez-Pascua et al (2013: 221-224)

of Rodríguez-Pascua et al (2013: 221-224)

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

Earthquake Archeological Effects chart

Earthquake Archeological Effects (EAE)

Rodríguez-Pascua et al (2013: 221-224)

of Rodríguez-Pascua et al (2013: 221-224)

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).

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

Tholbecq, L. (2000) Une installation d'époque médiévale dans la sanctuaire de Zeus de Jérash (Jordanie) , in Sh. Abuzayd (Ed.), The Mamluks and the Early Ottoman Period in Bilad al-Sham: History and Archaeology, Aram 8-9, 2000, p. 153-179.

Websites

Sancturay of Zeus at universes.art

Jerash - Temple of Zeus