Saturday saw the dig crew pay a visit to the city of Jerash. The ruins are sprawling, colossal remnants of the glory of another age. Thanks to archaeologists, parts of the city are being reconstructed. Hadrian’s triumphal arch once again looks much the way it must have in antiquity, and the hippodrome is again full of Romans, or at least, re-enactors.
There was a demonstration of military manoeuvres, the unit performing formations like the testudo (tortoise):
Not long after, as we wandered through the ruins of a Byzantine church, we encountered a testudo of a different kind:
Some of a mosaic from the church:
The temple of Zeus:
The cardo, full of archaeologists:
After Jerash, we visited Ajlun Castle. Much of it is still standing; while there is little to no decoration remaining, the vaulted ceilings and ubiquitous arches conjure an image of the majesty it must once have possessed.
Looking out over the wall at the Jordan Valley:
Some of the leftover ammunition:
It’s been a long and tiring weekend. There was a whole lot of walking, and now there is about to be a whole lot of sleeping. Tomorrow, we dig again.
It looks like you are having so much fun! Big hugs!
ReplyDeletePretty awesome stuff! I'm so excited for you!
ReplyDeleteI have seen some gorgeous Byzantine churches and I've always loved mosaics on the floor. :)
ReplyDelete