Syria Remembered
Roman Syria was magnificent — Palmyra, Damascus, Apamea. Current conditions make Syria impossible, but Jordan preserves Roman heritage. Jerash is the "Pompeii of the East." Petra is one of Earth's wonders. This is a pilgrimage of memory. Pour a libation for what's been lost. Toast to what we hope to visit again someday.
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Stops
- 1🗺️
Jerash (Gerasa)
"Pompeii of the East" — one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy. The Oval Plaza, Cardo Maximus, Temple of Artemis, and two theatres. This was a wealthy Decapolis city. The scale is breathtaking.
tour $$ - 2🗺️
Amman Citadel
The ancient citadel overlooking modern Amman. Roman Temple of Hercules, Byzantine church, and Umayyad palace share the hilltop. Philadelphia (Amman's Roman name) was another Decapolis city. Views over the city are spectacular.
tour $ - 3🗺️
Madaba Mosaics
The 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in St. George's Church is the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the region. Madaba is the "City of Mosaics" — Roman and Byzantine floors throughout the town.
tour $ - 4🗺️
Mount Nebo
Moses' viewpoint over the Promised Land. Byzantine mosaics in the church. On clear days, you can see Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. This is where Moses died; a Roman church marked the spot.
tour $ - 5🗺️
Petra
The rose-red city, half as old as time. Nabataean, then Roman. The Treasury, the Monastery, the Siq, the theatre — all carved from living rock. This is one of the world's greatest archaeological sites. Bring a special bottle.
tour $$$ - 6🍷
Saint George Winery
Jordan's only serious winery. Christian community in the Jordan Valley making wine from ancient traditions. The wines are modest but genuine. This is about continuity, not quality.
tasting $$ - 7🗺️
Umm Qais (Gadara)
Decapolis city overlooking the Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, and Syria. Basalt ruins, Roman theatre, and Ottoman village blend together. This is where the Gadarene swine ran into the sea. Views are spectacular.
tour $