From the ancient Greco-Roman city of Gerasa. Ever wonder what it was like to be a soldier in the Roman army? Today, I found out, as we explored the city of Jerash and took part in the Roman Army and Chariot Experience (RACE). I ended the day with a few bumps and bruises, but this was a small price to pay for the chance to help recreate ancient history.

Jerash, which was known as Gerasa during ancient Roman times, is located about 30 miles north of Amman. Gerasa was a member of the Decapolis League. Today, this popular tourist destination is considered to have the best Roman ruins outside of Italy. As we made our way through Jerash, I noted many similarities to other ancient Roman cities: 2 large temples, an immense forum, 2 theaters, and a long colonnaded street, which is sometimes referred to as a cardo.

Next, we made our way to the hippodrome to take our seats for the big show. In its day, the hippodrome, or stadium, could fit about 15,000 people. The seats used today are the same ones that spectators sat in nearly 2,000 years ago. At the far end of the stadium, a legionary stood atop an archway and blew several long, loud notes on a horn called a Cornu.

Then, we heard the sound of clinking armor from beyond the hippodrome. It was a group of Roman legionaries in uniform and fully equipped - they entered and marched slowly toward us. After the legionaries demonstrated a number of military formations and tactics, a group of gladiators made their way into the hippodrome.

Two gladiators squared off and started fighting each other immediately. (They were fake fighting, of course, but from up in the stands their performance looked pretty convincing.)

The show ended with a chariot race. Three chariots, each pulled by 2 horses, bolted out of the gate and proceeded to speed around the track. The horses galloped at full tilt, kicking up clouds of dust as the charioteers urged them on. On the last lap, the charioteer in red pulled ahead of the other 2, winning by a nose. It was spectacular! After the race, we each got to take a spin around the track on a chariot and I was astounded at how fast they went. My chariot took a turn so fast that I almost fell off!

All in all, the day was action packed, which can’t always be said of history class. RACE and the spectacular ruins of Jerash really brought history alive for me.

One Final Note: Did I fail to mention that the team elected me to dress up as a gladiator for the day? Photo included above for your amusement!

Next stop, Madaba!

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