The North Theatre in Jerash, Jordan, is one of the most significant and well-preserved structures in the ancient Roman city of Gerasa, a prominent member of the Decapolis league. Built in the 2nd century CE, this smaller but exquisitely designed theater served as a cultural and civic hub, hosting performances, public meetings, and possibly political gatherings. Located just off the Colonnaded Street (Cardo Maximus), the North Theatre complements the larger South Theatre and offers a unique glimpse into the social and architectural sophistication of Roman-era Jerash.
Jerash, situated about 48 kilometers north of Amman, was a thriving
Greco-Roman city founded in the Hellenistic period (circa 2nd century
BCE) and flourishing under Roman rule from the 1st to 3rd centuries CE.
The North Theatre was constructed around 165–170 CE, during the reign of
Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a period of prosperity for Gerasa marked by
significant urban development. Unlike the larger South Theatre, which
was primarily used for dramatic performances and large-scale events, the
North Theatre likely served a more intimate and versatile role,
accommodating smaller audiences for theatrical plays, musical
performances, poetry recitals, and civic functions such as council
meetings.
The theater’s construction reflects Jerash’s wealth and
cultural vibrancy, as well as its integration into the Roman Empire’s
architectural and social traditions. Its proximity to the Colonnaded
Street and other civic structures underscores its role as a central
gathering place in the city’s urban fabric.
The North Theatre is a classic example of Roman theater design,
adapted to the local topography and materials of Jerash. Built into a
natural hillside, it follows the typical semi-circular layout of Roman
theaters, with a capacity of approximately 1,600–2,000
spectators—significantly smaller than the South Theatre’s 3,000–5,000
capacity. Its compact size and intricate details make it a jewel of
Roman architecture. Below are its key architectural elements:
1.
Cavea (Seating Area)
The cavea, or auditorium, is semi-circular and
divided into two tiers of seating, separated by a diazoma (horizontal
walkway). The lower tier (ima cavea) has 14 rows of seats, while the
upper tier (summa cavea) has 10 rows, though the upper section is less
well-preserved.
The seats are carved from local limestone, with some
bearing inscriptions in Greek, likely indicating reserved seating for
dignitaries, priests, or prominent citizens. These inscriptions provide
valuable insights into Gerasa’s social hierarchy.
The cavea is
supported by a series of vaulted corridors and staircases, a Roman
innovation that allowed for efficient crowd management and structural
stability. These vaults, still partially intact, demonstrate advanced
engineering techniques.
The seating area is oriented to face the
stage, with the natural slope of the hillside providing optimal
acoustics and visibility.
2. Orchestra
The orchestra, a
semi-circular space at the base of the cavea, is paved with limestone
slabs and measures about 10 meters in diameter. In Roman theaters, the
orchestra was typically used for seating VIPs or as a performance space
for musicians, rather than for a chorus as in Greek theaters.
The
North Theatre’s orchestra is relatively small, reflecting its intimate
scale, and is surrounded by a low balustrade that separated performers
from spectators.
3. Scaenae (Stage and Backdrop)
The scaenae,
or stage area, is a raised platform (proscaenium) approximately 2 meters
high and 20 meters wide, backed by an elaborate scaenae frons (stage
backdrop). The scaenae frons, though partially ruined, was originally
two stories tall, adorned with Corinthian columns, niches for statues,
and decorative friezes.
The backdrop featured three main doorways
(valvae), used by actors for entrances and exits, and smaller side doors
for additional access. These doorways were framed with ornate carvings,
some of which survive, showcasing the theater’s aesthetic richness.
The stage floor, originally wooden, has not survived, but the stone
supports and drainage channels beneath it remain, indicating a
sophisticated design to manage rainwater.
4. Entrances and Access
The theater has two main parodoi (side entrances), vaulted passageways
that allowed spectators to enter and exit the cavea. These corridors
also provided access to the orchestra and stage for performers and
officials.
External staircases on the theater’s flanks led to the
upper tiers of seating, ensuring efficient crowd flow. These staircases
are still partially intact, allowing modern visitors to explore the
theater’s layout.
A small forecourt in front of the theater, possibly
paved with mosaics, served as a gathering area for audiences before and
after performances.
5. Acoustics and Design
The theater’s
acoustics are remarkable, a hallmark of Roman architectural ingenuity.
The semi-circular design and stone materials amplified sound, allowing
actors’ voices to carry clearly to the upper rows without modern
amplification.
The orientation of the theater, facing northeast,
likely provided shade for afternoon performances, enhancing audience
comfort in Jerash’s hot climate.
6. Associated Structures
The
North Theatre is integrated into the city’s urban plan, with its eastern
side abutting the Colonnaded Street and its western side near
residential and commercial areas. A small plaza or street likely
connected the theater to the Cardo, facilitating access.
Nearby, the
North Tetrapylon, a monumental four-arched gateway, marks the
intersection of the Colonnaded Street with an east-west decumanus,
emphasizing the theater’s civic importance.
The North Theatre was a multifunctional space, reflecting the diverse
needs of Gerasa’s population. Its primary roles included:
Theatrical Performances: The theater hosted plays, including comedies by
playwrights like Plautus or tragedies adapted from Greek models, as well
as mime and pantomime, which were popular in the Roman world. Musicians
and poets may have performed here, entertaining audiences with recitals
and songs.
Civic Functions: The theater’s intimate size and
inscriptions suggesting reserved seating for elites indicate it may have
served as a bouleuterion (council chamber) for city council meetings or
public assemblies. Such dual-purpose theaters were common in Roman
cities.
Religious and Cultural Events: The theater likely hosted
festivals honoring deities like Artemis, Gerasa’s patron goddess, or
imperial celebrations for Roman emperors. Statues in the scaenae frons
niches may have depicted gods, emperors, or local benefactors.
Social
Gathering: As a central public space, the theater was a place for social
interaction, where residents of different classes mingled, discussed
politics, or celebrated communal events.
The theater’s location near
the Colonnaded Street, the city’s commercial and social hub, made it
easily accessible to residents and visitors. Its performances and
gatherings would have drawn diverse audiences, from wealthy merchants to
artisans, reflecting Gerasa’s cosmopolitan character as a trading center
linking the Mediterranean to the Arabian Peninsula.
The North Theatre is exceptionally well-preserved, thanks to Jerash’s
gradual abandonment after the 8th century CE, when earthquakes,
invasions, and shifting trade routes led to its decline. Buried under
sand for centuries, the theater was excavated in the 19th and 20th
centuries, with ongoing restoration efforts by Jordanian authorities and
international teams.
Current State: The cavea, orchestra, and
parts of the scaenae frons remain largely intact, though the upper tier
of seating and the scaenae’s second story are partially ruined. The
vaulted corridors, inscriptions, and decorative elements are
well-preserved, offering a vivid sense of the theater’s original
appearance.
Restoration: Modern interventions have focused on
stabilizing the seating, reinforcing vaults, and protecting the site
from erosion. Some seats and columns have been restored, but the
majority of the stonework is original, maintaining the theater’s
authenticity.
Visitor Experience: Visitors can explore the cavea,
walk through the parodoi, and stand on the stage, experiencing the
theater’s acoustics and scale. The view from the upper rows, overlooking
the Colonnaded Street and surrounding ruins, is particularly striking.
Informative signage and guided tours enhance the experience, though the
theater is less crowded than the South Theatre, offering a more intimate
visit.
The North Theatre is a testament to the cultural and architectural
sophistication of Roman Gerasa, with several key points of significance:
Architectural Excellence: The theater’s design, with its vaulted
supports, precise acoustics, and ornate scaenae frons, reflects Roman
engineering and aesthetic ideals. Its smaller scale allowed for greater
attention to detail, evident in the carved inscriptions and decorative
elements.
Civic and Cultural Role: As a venue for both entertainment
and governance, the theater underscores the importance of public spaces
in Roman urban life. Its inscriptions provide evidence of Gerasa’s
social structure and civic pride.
Cultural Crossroads: Jerash’s
location made it a melting pot of Greco-Roman, Nabataean, and local
Semitic influences. The North Theatre, with its Greek-style inscriptions
and Roman design, embodies this cultural synthesis, serving a diverse
population.
Archaeological Value: The theater’s preservation offers
scholars insights into Roman theater design, urban planning, and social
practices. Excavations have uncovered artifacts like statues and coins,
shedding light on Gerasa’s history.
Touristic Appeal: As part of the
Jerash Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate, the
North Theatre draws thousands of visitors annually. Its compact size and
proximity to the Colonnaded Street make it a must-see stop on any tour
of Jerash.
The North Theatre is a highlight of Jerash, often praised for its
intimate atmosphere and well-preserved details. Recent posts on X (based
on my last data) describe it as a “hidden gem” compared to the more
famous South Theatre, with visitors noting the ability to explore its
corridors and test its acoustics by speaking or singing from the stage.
The theater’s setting, nestled among Jerash’s ruins, is frequently
photographed, especially at sunset when the limestone glows warmly.
For visitors, the North Theatre is included in the general Jerash
entry ticket (approximately 10 JOD, or $14 USD, based on recent web
data). It is easily accessible via the Colonnaded Street, a short walk
from the Oval Plaza or North Gate. Guided tours often include the
theater, providing context about its dual role as a performance and
civic space. Some visitors recommend bringing water and wearing
comfortable shoes, as exploring the cavea’s steps can be strenuous in
Jerash’s heat.
The Jerash Festival, an annual cultural event,
occasionally uses the North Theatre for performances, reviving its
ancient function with modern concerts, plays, or dance shows. This blend
of past and present enhances its appeal as a living historical site.