“Slide a key into the base of one of these giant columns and you can feel the entire 2,000-year-old pillar gently sway in the wind.”
About Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis was built in the 2nd century AD as the chief temple of Gerasa, honouring Artemis, the city's patron deity. Approached by a grand processional way and staircase, it stood at the heart of the city's religious life. Its columns were engineered to flex slightly, allowing them to survive earthquakes, and this same flexibility lets them sway gently in the wind to this day.
The Temple of Artemis was the principal sanctuary of ancient Jerash, dedicated to the city's patron goddess, and its towering Corinthian columns are among the most imposing sights in the ruined city. Set on a raised terrace approached by a monumental staircase, the surviving columns soar against the sky as a reflection of the wealth and devotion of Roman Gerasa.
Set on a raised terrace approached by a monumental staircase, the surviving columns soar against the sky as a reflection of the wealth and devotion of Roman Gerasa.
The Columns That Sway in the Wind
The temple's most astonishing secret is that its giant columns actually move. Built to flex slightly and absorb forces such as earthquakes and wind, several of the standing columns sway almost imperceptibly in the breeze. Guides famously demonstrate this by sliding a key or a spoon into a gap at the base of a column, where it can be seen and felt to shift as the massive stone drum gently rocks, a remarkable feat of ancient engineering.
The Experience
The path goes up the monumental stairway to the temple terrace, where the surviving Corinthian columns tower overhead, and watch as a guide demonstrates their famous sway by wedging a key or spoon at a column's base. Feeling the colossal stone move is unforgettable. The terrace also offers fine views over the columns, streets and theatres of Jerash spread out below.
Why It Matters
The Temple of Artemis is the spiritual centrepiece of ancient Jerash and a showcase of Roman engineering at its most ingenious, with columns designed to flex and endure. As one of the grandest structures of a superbly preserved Roman city, it embodies the religious devotion and technical mastery of Gerasa.
The Temple of Artemis is the spiritual centrepiece of ancient Jerash and a showcase of Roman engineering at its most ingenious, with columns designed to flex and endure.
Why Visit
The majestic main temple of Jerash, with soaring Corinthian columns engineered to sway in the wind, a striking feat of Roman building you can feel for yourself.
✦ Insider Tips
- 1
Ask a guide to show the columns swaying with a key or spoon.
- 2
The columns were engineered to flex and survive earthquakes.
- 3
Climb the monumental staircase to the temple terrace.
- 4
Enjoy the views over Jerash from the raised platform.
