TEMPLE OF ZEUS

Overlooking the forum, and right next to the southern amphitheater, is this sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god of gods, Zeus. It is built on top of an older temple and archaeological excavations have revealed that the site was already a place of worship in the Bronze Age (3300 to 1200 BC). The temple of Zeus is built on two terraces, the lower of which is heavily damaged. Not much remains of its vaulted corridor which went around the temenos, a sacred court. This closed corridor was decorated on its outside with facades of Ionic columns supporting a Doric frieze. The lower terrace dates back to 27 BC as attested by an inscription signing the work attributed to "Diodors, son of Zebedas, architect of Gerasa". In 162, the Romans decided to build a large temple to replace the old one, which was badly damaged. It was erected on a terrace overhanging the temenos, the two being connected by a monumental staircase. Corinthian columns 15 meters high framed the cella, the main chamber of the sanctuary. With the advent of Christianity, the temple was transformed into a Byzantine monastery, before being completely abandoned after the earthquake of 749. In 1982, the Institut Français du Proche-Orient (IFPO) undertook the restoration of the building in close collaboration with the Jordanian Department of Antiquities. Between 2001 and 2006, the cella, the peristyle and the temenos were restored. The work restores some of the temple's majesty.