Jerash, Jordan
The Hippodrome of Jerash is the first monument visitors meet after passing through Hadrian's Arch and before the South Gate of the ancient city. The Romans built it for horse-drawn chariot races; it measures 245 m by 52 m, the smallest hippodrome known in the Roman Empire, yet it held thousands of Gerasa's citizens who came for races and military displays. Its tiers of seats, monumental entrance and some of the gates still stand, and a large part has been restored so that you can sit on the benches and imagine the track in full cry. The arena has been brought back to life by the Roman Army and Chariot Experience, in which performers dressed as legionaries demonstrate army formations and gladiator fights before a real chariot race around the track; it runs twice a day on a separate ticket and is one of the things children enjoy most at Jerash. On days without a show the Hippodrome is a quiet open space you can cross in ten minutes, with a look at Hadrian's Arch next door and the city on the hill beyond.
If you want the show, plan your visit around its times (11:30 and 14:30 according to Wikivoyage) and arrive a quarter of an hour early for a seat in the shade; it costs 12 JOD on a separate ticket not included in the site entry. Visiting the Hippodrome itself is covered by the Jerash ticket and the Jordan Pass. The stone tiers are exposed, so carry water and hats and mind children on the steps.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: Wikivoyage · CC BY-SA 4.0
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