Jerash - Temple - Temple of Artemis 09
The largest sanctuary complex of Gerasa today extends from the eastern fence of the archaeological site to the temple of Artemis on the far west, which makes about 320 meters. Originally, a via sacra ran from the residential quarters in the eastern part of the city across a bridge (no longer exists) over the Chrysorhoas (Wadi Jerash), through the elongated eastern and the imposing western Propylaea at the Cardo, ascending the wide staircase to the Temenos courtyard with the temple. Through the staggering of the harmonized buildings, the processional way to the sanctuary of the city goddess of Gerasa was grandiosely staged.
From when on the Artemis sanctuary was built is not documented. A dedicatory inscription on the western Propylaea on the Cardo gives the year 150 AD for the completion of this section. In view of the enormous expenditure for such preliminary work alone, such as the bridge over the wadi, retaining walls, excavations, barrel-vaulted substructures for terraces, the hauling of large quantities of stones, etc., the plans and the start of construction must be estimated much earlier. Artemis coins on the occasion of Emperor Hadrian's visit to Gerasa in 129/30 AD may have been minted in reference to such a construction project (Lichtenberger, p. 200). It far surpassed the previously dominant sanctuary of Zeus and was of fundamental importance for the urban development of the city. &quot;With the erection of this new complex, which served cultic concerns, but also trade and commerce, grandeur and the claim of public self-expression found new expression.&quot;
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