The Arch of Hadrian is an ancient Roman structure in Jerash

The Arch of Hadrian is an ancient Roman structure in Jerash

The Arch of Hadrian is an ancient Roman structure in Jerash, Jordan. It is an 11-metre high triple-arched gateway erected to honor the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian (Yes the same Emperor who built Hadrian’s Wall to keep the scots picts out of england) to the city (then called Gerasa) in the winter of 129–130. The arch originally stood to almost 22 m and probably had wooden doors. It features some unconventional, possibly Nabataean, architectural features, such as acanthus bases. The columns are decorated with capitals at the bottom rather than the top. The monument served both as a commemorative arch and as an approach to Gerasa. The Arch’s relative remoteness from the city walls points to a plan for southward expansion of Gerasa during its heyday. The expansion, however, has not been implemented. But a large Circus stands between the Arch and the gate of the City.