Jerash/Lunch

This once grand temple dedicated to Zeus Olympios was built in 162/162 AD. It lies on a terrace above the original sanctuary toZeus, and overlooks the Oval Plaza. The original site of worship, which lay on the terrace beneath, became the Lower Sanctuary of a magnificent temple complex and a wide staircase linked the lower part to this newer upper terrance.
The Great Temple of Zeus stood on a podium surrounded by columns. The plan and ornamentation was in a classic style typical of its time. The facade was marked by eight Corinthian columns and a unique series of niches that decorated the outside walls. A flat roof sheltered the temple.
In the 5th century AD this temple was taken apart, and it became aquarry of materials used to construct churches around the city.En savoir plus