A nymphaeum or nymphaion, in ancient Greece and Rome, was a monument consecrated to the nymphs, especially those of springs. These monuments were originally natural grottoes, which tradition assigned as habitations to the local nymphs.
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Archaeological Site of Jerash
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Temple of Artemis
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the western side of the cardo maximus is the elegant nymphaeum, the main ornamental fountain of Jerash, dedicated to the water nymphs. Built about AD 191, the two-storey construction was elaborately decorated, faced with marble slabs on the lower level, plastered above and topped with a half dome. Water cascaded into a large pool at the front, with the overflow pouring out through seven carved lions’ heads. Although it’s been quite some time since water poured forth, the well-preserved structure remains one of the highlights of Jerash. Several finely sculpted Corinthian columns still frame the fountain, and at its foot is a lovely pink-granite basin, which was probably added by the Byzantines. At one point the entire structure was capped by a semi-dome in the shape of a shell, and you can still make out the elaborate capitals lining the base of the...
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Jerash is a city in Jordan, located 25 Miles North of the capital Amman. Inhabited since the Bronze Age. it’s well known for the ruins of the walled Greco-Roman settlement of Gerasa. Ruins include the 2nd-century Hadrian’s Arch, the Corinthian Columns of the Temple of Artemis and the huge Forum’s Oval Colonnade. Jerash is Jordan's largest and most interesting Roman site, and a major tourist attraction. Its imposing ceremonial gates, colonnaded avenues, temples and theatres. It is considered the best preserved ancient Roman buildings in the world. The Nymphaeum, just as most of the other sites in the old Roman city of Jerash, has been built around the 1st century and is from an architectural perspective a magnificent fountain and one of the most popular sites in Jerash. Better time to visit is early morning as to avoid crowds and high day time...
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The Nymphaeum of Jerash is one of the most iconic buildings in the site and even the country and should not be missed.
It was built on 190 AD as a public fountain fed by water brought from Birkatayn further North.
If you look closely, you can still see some of the Greek dedicatory inscription running along the middle line between both floors. Also, inside the southernmost semicircular upper niche, there is a cluster of original decorative paint decoration consisting of orange and red triangles on a white background.
The big pink marble basin in front is a later Byzantine addition.
After admiring the rich architectural details which include gargoyle heads water spouts and fish silhouetted floor drains, proceed further North to the...
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