Jarach is one of the best preserved and most original Roman City in the Middle East. I have been to a lot of Roman ruins and this by far, has the most things still standing. I won't bore you with all the historical detail. Same time periods as in other sites, same natural disasters and military ones as well.
In the main area in front of the Temple of Zeus, we ran into some Muslim people who were very interested in us. Several young ladies in various stages of the full Muslim costume wanted their picture taken with me. No idea why. We exchanged names and a few other pleasantries and then they were off.
Meanwhile the young girl below wanted Michael to take her picture. He took a few shots and was ready to move on. So she turned to me and kept posing as below. Her mother kept trying to drag her away, and she persisted in returning and demanding we take more pictures and showing them to her. I finally had to tell her that it was time for her to go to her Mama. And Mother obliged by taking her away. It is very common for young girls to dress as Westerners until they enter puberty where they put on the full hijab. Most of the women here to do cover their faces. I have only seen a few that do.
A sarcophagus with flowers.
And enter the goats. This is the first time we have seen goats and a herder in the Middle East, but then we have been mostly in cities so far.
This view show the extent of the ruins. We did a LOT of walking today.
And one of Michael's favorite things to do - take pictures of groups of strangers!
A ruin from one of the many churches in the complex. Notice the cross?
And one last picture as we prepare to leave Jarach. That is Hadrian's Arch in the back. I saw the contrast of the people in front of us in western garb (the women in white is actually wearing a long white lacy skirt, but is covering her head with a white coat) and the men in full Arab garb coming towards us.
those are impressive!
ReplyDeleteReally gives a feel of how much wealth and sophistication there was