Leave Amman 52kms north to Jerash. In ancient times it was one of the wealthiest and most cosmopolitan cities in the ancient Near East. Settled by humans as early as the Neolithic period (c. 7500-5500 BCE) and founded as a Hellenistic city in the 2nd century BCE, Jerash is today noted for its fine Roman and Byzantine ruins, which rank among the largest and only preserved in the world after Rome.  Gerasa in present-day Jerash is one of the largest and best-preserved late antique cities in the Middle East. Magnificent colonnaded streets and plazas, triumphal gates, two imposing temple complexes and amphitheaters, the remains of numerous early Byzantine churches and Umayyad buildings in the hilly landscape along a wadi, make Gerasa one of Jordan's favourite destinations. Although the sheer amount of statues, plazas, and museums can seem daunting, the ancient Roman ruins of Jerash are very easy to navigate. Once in the old town, visitors can easily navigate their way past each site. A great starting point is Hadrian’s Arch which was built in 129 AD to greet Emperor Hadrian during his visit. From this point you will find the remains of the Hippodrome; a former sporting arena that now holds chariot races to recapture the imaginations of visitors. Another notable site is the 3,000 seat South Theatre which is still used today for productions and concerts. The Forum is a spellbinding oval structure made of 56 pillars and is an ideal location for budding photographers. For an insight into the huge excavation project that took place in the city, visit Jerash Archaeological Museum which is home to a vast amount of fascinating artifacts.