Irene and Moe: Bagpipes in the desert and other amazing things

Gerasa

The Ruins of the Greco-Roman city

in Jerash, Jordan

Sunny Hi 75, Lo 55

Also referred to as Antioch on the Golden River, this city was likely founded by Alexander the Great for retired soldiers (nice retirement!) in the spring of 331 BC. We wondered around this large, mostly un-excavated site for several hours, marveling at its massiveness, and the skill of its engineers and builders. Neither words nor pictures do it justice...

Hadrian's Arch

Hadrian's Arch was built in honor of Emperor Hadrian's visit to Gerasa during the winter of 129-130 AD. This impressive triple-bay, ornately decorated monument is one of the largest known arches of the Roman Empire.

Entrance to the Hippodrome

The South Gate

The Oval Plaza - original paving stones

Cardo

There is estimated to be over 1,000 columns at Gerasa. The main street, the Cardo, led from the Oval Plaza to the North Gate (not seen); it was lined with shops and temples. Cardo is the Latin name for a north-south street in ancient Roman cities; it means, among other things "axis". In other words, the "main drag".

Manhole and chariots ruts

A drainage system underlay the Cardo, accessible through manholes! Linear depressions in the limestone were made by the wheels of chariots & carts.

Temple of Artemis

Columns of the Temple of Artemis

This temple was built as a shrine to Artemis who was the patron goddess of Gerasa. Construction began in the 2nd century AD but was never finished.

The South Theater

The South Theater was the largest and oldest of three ancient theaters in Jerash; it was estimated to seat more than three thousand people. There was an imposing, richly decorated stage with a backdrop seen here in the foreground.

Bagpipes and the Military

Dancing with the Jordanian piper - rousing music!

Beginning with the British Mandate of Transjordan in the early 1920's, Jordan has been influenced by western military culture. British troops brought in the European bagpipe in the 1970’s and the bagpipe has found a place in Jordanian music ever since.These retired army soldiers are wearing the traditional Bedouin uniforms that consists of a khaki galabias robe and a red and white schumag secured by a black ogul. They play for tourists and the tourists (me) loved it.

This year in August, seventy-seven armed-forces musicians from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (proper name of the country) will show off their skills with bagpipes in Edinburgh, Scotland at the spectacular 60th anniversary program of the 2017 Diamond Jubilee Tattoo.