Jarash Hinterland Survey — 2005 and 2008

AbstractThe ruins of ancient Gerasa are a stunning evocation of the splendour of the Graeco-Roman world. Yet only half the area within the ancient walls of the city is actively preserved as an Archaeological Park and very little of the extra-mural remains has been recorded much less explored. The latter is now under intense threat as the modern town grows rapidly all around the area beyond the walls and often over the roads, cemeteries, workshops and suburban settlement. It is not just archaeological evidence being lost; a rare opportunity to view the life of an ancient city in the context of its immediate hinterland is disappearing. The Jarash Hinterland Survey was initiated to explore and record in an area of 10 sq km around Jarash. The first small season in 2005 has now been followed by a larger one in 2008 and there are plans for a third in 2010.