2007 - Jordan

THE LAND OF MOSES - We extended our Middle East trip to spend a week in Jordan for the express purpose of seeing Petra. But from the first day, we discovered Jordan to be much more than jus ...

2009-02-11T09:03:03Z

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THE LAND OF MOSES - We extended our Middle East trip to spend a week in Jordan for the express purpose of seeing Petra. But from the first day, we discovered Jordan to be much more than jus ...

AMMAN - We began our visit in the capital city of Amman. Early morning is the best time to see Amman – its profusion of gleaming stone structures vividly display why it is called the ...

2009-06-25T22:41:14Z

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AMMAN - We began our visit in the capital city of Amman. Early morning is the best time to see Amman – its profusion of gleaming stone structures vividly display why it is called the ...

AMMAN - We began our explorations the morning of May 20th, traveling through the old part of the city to reach Jebel al-Qal'a or Citadel Hill (jebel is the Arabic word for hill). Amman was o ...

2009-02-11T09:01:25Z

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AMMAN - We began our explorations the morning of May 20th, traveling through the old part of the city to reach Jebel al-Qal'a or Citadel Hill (jebel is the Arabic word for hill). Amman was o ...

AMMAN - We were led by our personable guide Jihad Qsar, a descendent of Bedouins. Admittedly we were a little taken back by a Middle Easterner with the name of "Jihad," but as he explained ...

2009-06-25T22:51:08Z

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AMMAN - We were led by our personable guide Jihad Qsar, a descendent of Bedouins. Admittedly we were a little taken back by a Middle Easterner with the name of "Jihad," but as he explained ...

AMMAN - The ancient Citadel Hill is where Amman began some 5000 years ago. Towering above the city is the Roman Temple of Hercules, its columns silhouetted against the sky. Today it is als ...

2009-06-25T22:43:32Z

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AMMAN - The ancient Citadel Hill is where Amman began some 5000 years ago. Towering above the city is the Roman Temple of Hercules, its columns silhouetted against the sky. Today it is als ...

AMMAN - Larger than any temple in Rome itself, the Temple of Hercules is framed by six 33-foot tall columns.

2009-02-11T07:20:28Z

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AMMAN - Larger than any temple in Rome itself, the Temple of Hercules is framed by six 33-foot tall columns.

AMMAN - From high atop the hill, the Temple of Hercules could be seen from virtually anywhere in ancient Amman. A monumental staircase once connected the temple with the forum, theaters, co ...

2009-06-25T21:39:21Z

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AMMAN - From high atop the hill, the Temple of Hercules could be seen from virtually anywhere in ancient Amman. A monumental staircase once connected the temple with the forum, theaters, co ...

AMMAN - Down the hill from the Citadel (and purportedly connected to it by a hidden tunnel, although our guide questioned this) is the Roman Amphitheater, a deep-sided bowl carved into the s ...

2009-06-25T22:42:22Z

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AMMAN - Down the hill from the Citadel (and purportedly connected to it by a hidden tunnel, although our guide questioned this) is the Roman Amphitheater, a deep-sided bowl carved into the s ...

AMMAN - The ruins atop Jebel al-Qala’a reveal key historical eras in Amman's many lives. Just a few hundred feet away from the Temple of Hercules we came upon these elegant Corinthian ...

2009-06-25T22:40:32Z

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AMMAN - The ruins atop Jebel al-Qala’a reveal key historical eras in Amman's many lives. Just a few hundred feet away from the Temple of Hercules we came upon these elegant Corinthian ...

AMMAN - The column is one of few still standing at the ruins of the Byzantine Basilica.

2009-06-25T22:47:47Z

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AMMAN - The column is one of few still standing at the ruins of the Byzantine Basilica.

AMMAN - At the summit of Citadel Hill was the most impressive structure known simply as Al-Qaser (the Palace). Its royal and residential buildings date back to the Islamic Umayyad period ar ...

2009-02-11T09:02:41Z

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AMMAN - At the summit of Citadel Hill was the most impressive structure known simply as Al-Qaser (the Palace). Its royal and residential buildings date back to the Islamic Umayyad period ar ...

AMMAN - A view of one of Amman's many minarets framed by the doorway of the Al-Qaser on Citadel Hill.

2009-02-11T09:02:12Z

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AMMAN - A view of one of Amman's many minarets framed by the doorway of the Al-Qaser on Citadel Hill.

AMMAN - Before leaving Citadel Hill, we visited the Jordan Archaeological Museum. Small and unassuming - particularly compared to the museums we had seen in Egypt - it nonetheless houses an ...

2009-06-25T22:38:21Z

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AMMAN - Before leaving Citadel Hill, we visited the Jordan Archaeological Museum. Small and unassuming - particularly compared to the museums we had seen in Egypt - it nonetheless houses an ...

AMMAN - These fingers - nearly three feet high - greet visitors to the Jordan Archaeological Museum. They are the only fragment so far discovered from what must have been a massive ancient ...

2009-06-25T22:52:33Z

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AMMAN - These fingers - nearly three feet high - greet visitors to the Jordan Archaeological Museum. They are the only fragment so far discovered from what must have been a massive ancient ...

AMMAN - The Head of Nymph from Jordan's Roman period is one of the more expressive sculptures at the Archaeological Museum. The water-spirit formed part of the decoration of Roman Philadelp ...

2009-02-11T09:02:04Z

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AMMAN - The Head of Nymph from Jordan's Roman period is one of the more expressive sculptures at the Archaeological Museum. The water-spirit formed part of the decoration of Roman Philadelp ...

AMMAN - The feature attraction of the museum was a display of some of the Dead Sea Scrolls (the majority are housed in Israel). Discovered between 1947 and 1956 in caves near the Dead Sea (o ...

2009-02-11T09:00:49Z

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AMMAN - The feature attraction of the museum was a display of some of the Dead Sea Scrolls (the majority are housed in Israel). Discovered between 1947 and 1956 in caves near the Dead Sea (o ...

AMMAN - At the Jordan Archaeological Museum, there is also a fragment of the Dead Sea scrolls imprinted on leather.

2009-06-25T22:42:04Z

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AMMAN - At the Jordan Archaeological Museum, there is also a fragment of the Dead Sea scrolls imprinted on leather.

AMMAN - From Citadel Hill, we traveled down into the center of Amman for a closer look at the Roman theater. Surrounded by a small wooded park, the amphitheater is a surprisingly quiet oasi ...

2009-06-25T22:51:52Z

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AMMAN - From Citadel Hill, we traveled down into the center of Amman for a closer look at the Roman theater. Surrounded by a small wooded park, the amphitheater is a surprisingly quiet oasi ...

AMMAN - The Roman Theater is clearly the most impressive structure in the city - and probably has been for most of its 1800+ years of existence. Its 33 rows once seated 6000 spectators. ...

2009-02-11T09:00:03Z

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AMMAN - The Roman Theater is clearly the most impressive structure in the city - and probably has been for most of its 1800+ years of existence. Its 33 rows once seated 6000 spectators. ...

AMMAN - Tucked away in one corner of the amphitheater, we came upon this carving from the heydays of the ancient Roman occupation, now unceremoniously missing its head and no longer standing ...

2009-02-11T09:02:20Z

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AMMAN - Tucked away in one corner of the amphitheater, we came upon this carving from the heydays of the ancient Roman occupation, now unceremoniously missing its head and no longer standing ...

AMMAN - While exploring the Roman Amphitheater, Jeanne took a front row seat in the VIP section.

2009-06-25T22:46:47Z

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AMMAN - While exploring the Roman Amphitheater, Jeanne took a front row seat in the VIP section.

AMMAN - On the grounds of the Roman Theater are two small but interesting museums: the Museum of Popular Tradition (one of its exhibits is shown here) and the Folklore Museum.

2009-02-11T09:00:03Z

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AMMAN - On the grounds of the Roman Theater are two small but interesting museums: the Museum of Popular Tradition (one of its exhibits is shown here) and the Folklore Museum.

AMMAN - Adjacent to the amphitheater is the Odeon, a small theater that dates back to the late 2nd century AD. Now partially restored, it is still used occasionally for concerts.

2009-06-25T22:48:43Z

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AMMAN - Adjacent to the amphitheater is the Odeon, a small theater that dates back to the late 2nd century AD. Now partially restored, it is still used occasionally for concerts.

MADABA - Our next stop was some 18 miles from Amman at the small village of Madaba. Its most famous feature is the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George built in 1896. But the town itself da ...

2009-06-25T23:00:43Z

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MADABA - Our next stop was some 18 miles from Amman at the small village of Madaba. Its most famous feature is the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George built in 1896. But the town itself da ...

MADABA - The St. George Church appears rather austere from the outside, a plain stone building with little architectural distinction, but its treasure lies inside....

2009-02-11T09:02:43Z

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MADABA - The St. George Church appears rather austere from the outside, a plain stone building with little architectural distinction, but its treasure lies inside....

MADABA - Madaba is called the “city of the mosaic.” Hundreds of mosaics can be found in the old buildings around town. But one stands out: the Mosaic Map of Palestine, inside t ...

2009-06-25T22:40:25Z

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MADABA - Madaba is called the “city of the mosaic.” Hundreds of mosaics can be found in the old buildings around town. But one stands out: the Mosaic Map of Palestine, inside t ...

MADABA - This famous mosaic was designed around 560 AD to decorate the floor of a Byzantine church. Although the Church of St George was built over the original Byzantine church, large port ...

2009-06-25T22:40:34Z

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MADABA - This famous mosaic was designed around 560 AD to decorate the floor of a Byzantine church. Although the Church of St George was built over the original Byzantine church, large port ...

MADABA - The mosaic map may be the most famous of the church's attractions, but an icon in the church's crypt also has a more recent story to tell. Apparently one Sunday morning in 1976, wor ...

2009-02-11T09:03:07Z

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MADABA - The mosaic map may be the most famous of the church's attractions, but an icon in the church's crypt also has a more recent story to tell. Apparently one Sunday morning in 1976, wor ...

MADABA - Madaba was the hometown of our tour leader Jihad, and he was anxious to show us the friendly, easy-going nature of this small market village. So instead of taking the bus to our re ...

2009-06-25T22:53:04Z

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MADABA - Madaba was the hometown of our tour leader Jihad, and he was anxious to show us the friendly, easy-going nature of this small market village. So instead of taking the bus to our re ...

MADABA - During our walk through Madaba, Jeanne was intriqued by this particular outfit, but wasn't sure that it was her color.

2009-02-11T08:59:17Z

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MADABA - During our walk through Madaba, Jeanne was intriqued by this particular outfit, but wasn't sure that it was her color.

MADABA - Madaba was first mentioned in the Bible as Medeba at the time of the Exodus (Numbers: 21,30; Joshua 13:9). In many ways it is a typical East Bank town with one major difference: ...

2009-02-11T09:02:48Z

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MADABA - Madaba was first mentioned in the Bible as Medeba at the time of the Exodus (Numbers: 21,30; Joshua 13:9). In many ways it is a typical East Bank town with one major difference: ...

MADABA - As we walked thorugh "downtown" Madaba, it seemed that a lot of people knew our gregarious guide, one in particular: his brother, a local barber whose shop was adjacent to their f ...

2009-02-11T09:01:56Z

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MADABA - As we walked thorugh "downtown" Madaba, it seemed that a lot of people knew our gregarious guide, one in particular: his brother, a local barber whose shop was adjacent to their f ...

MOUNT NEBO - Less than six miles from Madaba, our trip took us to the top of Mount Nebo, 2620 feet above sea level, one of the most revered holy sites of Jordan. According to the Bible, th ...

2009-06-25T22:47:51Z

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MOUNT NEBO - Less than six miles from Madaba, our trip took us to the top of Mount Nebo, 2620 feet above sea level, one of the most revered holy sites of Jordan. According to the Bible, th ...

MOUNT NEBO - The Bible called this place Pisgah: "And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah....." From the mountaintop, Moses saw across the Jordan Val ...

2009-02-11T09:03:48Z

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MOUNT NEBO - The Bible called this place Pisgah: "And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah....." From the mountaintop, Moses saw across the Jordan Val ...

MOUNT NEBO - This is also where, according to the Bible, Moses died and was buried, although his grave has never been found.

2009-06-25T22:39:26Z

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MOUNT NEBO - This is also where, according to the Bible, Moses died and was buried, although his grave has never been found.

MOUNT NEBO - At the summit of the mountain, a chapel was built in honor of Moses around 394 AD. Its floor was almost solid mosaics. Over the centuries, the church was expanded and ultimatel ...

2009-06-25T22:40:36Z

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MOUNT NEBO - At the summit of the mountain, a chapel was built in honor of Moses around 394 AD. Its floor was almost solid mosaics. Over the centuries, the church was expanded and ultimatel ...

MOUNT NEBO - Inside the chapel in what is called the "Old Baptistry," we found the most interesting of the mosaics. Four rows of human and animal figures (bears, ostriches, lions, and in th ...

2009-02-11T09:02:52Z

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MOUNT NEBO - Inside the chapel in what is called the "Old Baptistry," we found the most interesting of the mosaics. Four rows of human and animal figures (bears, ostriches, lions, and in th ...

MADABA - After a hard day of exploring, our tour leader thought we deserved a treat. And since he was a native of Madaba, he knew the best place in the area to stop for a tray of Jordanian ...

2009-06-25T22:44:48Z

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MADABA - After a hard day of exploring, our tour leader thought we deserved a treat. And since he was a native of Madaba, he knew the best place in the area to stop for a tray of Jordanian ...

MADABA - A tray of Jordanian baklava - a pastry made of layers of dough filled with chopped nuts, mainly pistachios, and sweetened with sugar and honey syrup.

2009-02-11T08:56:18Z

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MADABA - A tray of Jordanian baklava - a pastry made of layers of dough filled with chopped nuts, mainly pistachios, and sweetened with sugar and honey syrup.

MADABA - Our group proved they could eat as well as they toured.

2009-06-25T22:45:13Z

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MADABA - Our group proved they could eat as well as they toured.

MADABA - Jeanne goes back for seconds.

2009-06-25T22:38:30Z

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MADABA - Jeanne goes back for seconds.

MADABA - The pastry shop sold a variety of nuts. Jeanne bought a package of Jordan almonds for about $2.80 a pound, about a fourth what they would have cost in the U.S.

2009-02-11T08:56:24Z

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MADABA - The pastry shop sold a variety of nuts. Jeanne bought a package of Jordan almonds for about $2.80 a pound, about a fourth what they would have cost in the U.S.

JERASH - An hour’s drive north of Amman is the ancient city of Jerash. As we approached, we were greeted by the imposing Triumphal Arch built to honor the Roman emperor Hadrian's arr ...

2009-02-11T09:00:54Z

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JERASH - An hour’s drive north of Amman is the ancient city of Jerash. As we approached, we were greeted by the imposing Triumphal Arch built to honor the Roman emperor Hadrian's arr ...

JERASH - As impressive as Hadrian's Arch is (previous picture), it was not the true entrance gate to the city. The South Gate, similarly styled but somewhat smaller, marked the actual begin ...

2009-06-25T22:46:00Z

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JERASH - As impressive as Hadrian's Arch is (previous picture), it was not the true entrance gate to the city. The South Gate, similarly styled but somewhat smaller, marked the actual begin ...

JERASH - We entered the city as its Roman inhabitants did: through the South Gate and into the imposing Oval Plaza. The spacious plaza, nearly the size of a football field, is surrounded by ...

2009-06-25T22:43:51Z

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JERASH - We entered the city as its Roman inhabitants did: through the South Gate and into the imposing Oval Plaza. The spacious plaza, nearly the size of a football field, is surrounded by ...

JERASH - Towering above us was the Temple of Zeus. Erected in 162 AD, this temple stands on ruins of earlier sacred sites. From the Oval Plaza, a staircase leads up to an esplanade (in fron ...

2009-02-11T09:03:07Z

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JERASH - Towering above us was the Temple of Zeus. Erected in 162 AD, this temple stands on ruins of earlier sacred sites. From the Oval Plaza, a staircase leads up to an esplanade (in fron ...

JERASH - Another view of the Temple of Zeus and the South Theater, both built on a hill that dominates the ancient city.

2009-02-11T08:59:03Z

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JERASH - Another view of the Temple of Zeus and the South Theater, both built on a hill that dominates the ancient city.

JERASH - Built between 90-92 AD, the South Theater seats more than 3000 spectators. It is still used today, primarily for the annual Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts. The first level of ...

2009-02-11T09:03:14Z

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JERASH - Built between 90-92 AD, the South Theater seats more than 3000 spectators. It is still used today, primarily for the annual Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts. The first level of ...

JERASH - As we entered the South Theater, we were quickly ushered to seats so that a detachment of Jordanian's military band could take center stage for an impromptu performance.

2009-06-25T22:49:19Z

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JERASH - As we entered the South Theater, we were quickly ushered to seats so that a detachment of Jordanian's military band could take center stage for an impromptu performance.

JERASH - For the next 20 minutes or so we were treated to a medley of tunes played on Scottish bagpipes by Jordanian musicians in a Roman Theater. An entertaining - if not a little surreal ...

2009-06-25T22:41:10Z

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JERASH - For the next 20 minutes or so we were treated to a medley of tunes played on Scottish bagpipes by Jordanian musicians in a Roman Theater. An entertaining - if not a little surreal ...

JERASH - One of the Jordanian bagpipers.

2009-02-11T08:59:25Z

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JERASH - One of the Jordanian bagpipers.

JERASH - Afterwards we mingled with the band for photographs (and the customary giving of baksheesh - in this case, well-deserved).

2009-06-25T22:37:27Z

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JERASH - Afterwards we mingled with the band for photographs (and the customary giving of baksheesh - in this case, well-deserved).

JERASH - The South Theater was one of the most impressive structures we had seen. Imagine attending a performance here in ancient times and being seated in one of the upper rows where a vie ...

2009-02-11T09:00:26Z

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JERASH - The South Theater was one of the most impressive structures we had seen. Imagine attending a performance here in ancient times and being seated in one of the upper rows where a vie ...

JERASH - Continuing our explorations of Jerash, we came upon a young boy selling postcards. This, in itself, was not unusual; there are young vendors at virtually every tourist stop. But t ...

2009-06-25T22:44:03Z

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JERASH - Continuing our explorations of Jerash, we came upon a young boy selling postcards. This, in itself, was not unusual; there are young vendors at virtually every tourist stop. But t ...

JERASH - Our group continued up an adjacent hill toward the ancient ruins of the Temple of Artemis.

2009-06-25T22:38:39Z

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JERASH - Our group continued up an adjacent hill toward the ancient ruins of the Temple of Artemis.

JERASH - Artemis was the protecting Goddess of Jerash, thus her Temple - though smaller than Zeus' (her father) on the adjoining hilltop - occupies the more prominent location, clearly domin ...

2009-02-11T09:01:17Z

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JERASH - Artemis was the protecting Goddess of Jerash, thus her Temple - though smaller than Zeus' (her father) on the adjoining hilltop - occupies the more prominent location, clearly domin ...

JERASH - Although small, the temple's Corinthian columns soar impressively from the hilltop site; 11 of the 12 front columns are still standing.

2009-06-25T22:41:44Z

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JERASH - Although small, the temple's Corinthian columns soar impressively from the hilltop site; 11 of the 12 front columns are still standing.

JERASH - The inner chamber of the Temple of Artemis was originally clad with marble slabs and housed a shrine which probably contained a statue of the goddess.

2009-06-25T22:45:37Z

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JERASH - The inner chamber of the Temple of Artemis was originally clad with marble slabs and housed a shrine which probably contained a statue of the goddess.

JERASH - One of the more interesting features of the Temple of Artemis is the series of courtyards descending from the temple to the Cardo Maximus (or Colonnaded Street) by a grand staircase ...

2009-06-25T22:50:34Z

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JERASH - One of the more interesting features of the Temple of Artemis is the series of courtyards descending from the temple to the Cardo Maximus (or Colonnaded Street) by a grand staircase ...

JERASH - Still paved with the original stones, the 875-yard long Cardo Maximus was the architectural spine and focal point of ancient Jerash. On either side was a broad sidewalk with shops, ...

2009-06-25T22:47:27Z

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JERASH - Still paved with the original stones, the 875-yard long Cardo Maximus was the architectural spine and focal point of ancient Jerash. On either side was a broad sidewalk with shops, ...

JERASH - Also still visible on the paving stones of the Cardo Maximus are the the ruts worn by chariot wheels nearly 2,000 years ago.

2009-06-25T22:40:25Z

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JERASH - Also still visible on the paving stones of the Cardo Maximus are the the ruts worn by chariot wheels nearly 2,000 years ago.

JERASH - The colonnaded street was remodeled in the late 2nd century AD, probably after 170 AD. The Ionic columns were replaced by more elaborate Corinthian columns. Once more than 500 such ...

2009-06-25T22:43:46Z

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JERASH - The colonnaded street was remodeled in the late 2nd century AD, probably after 170 AD. The Ionic columns were replaced by more elaborate Corinthian columns. Once more than 500 such ...

JERASH - As we walked along the Colonnaded Street, we saw remains of many of the fallen columns and storefronts stacked on the "curb." We could only imagine what this grand thoroughfare mus ...

2009-06-25T22:57:53Z

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JERASH - As we walked along the Colonnaded Street, we saw remains of many of the fallen columns and storefronts stacked on the "curb." We could only imagine what this grand thoroughfare mus ...

JERASH - One of the grand structures still standing alongside the Cardo Maximus that show why Jerash is often called the "Pompeii of the East." (Actually, the ruins of Pompeii are mostly fr ...

2009-02-11T09:01:16Z

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JERASH - One of the grand structures still standing alongside the Cardo Maximus that show why Jerash is often called the "Pompeii of the East." (Actually, the ruins of Pompeii are mostly fr ...

JERASH - On our way out we passed by perhaps the most elegant building in the ancient city - the Nymphaeum. Completed in 191 AD, it was dedicated to the spirits of dancing, singing, naked w ...

2009-02-11T09:02:12Z

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JERASH - On our way out we passed by perhaps the most elegant building in the ancient city - the Nymphaeum. Completed in 191 AD, it was dedicated to the spirits of dancing, singing, naked w ...

JERASH - We returned to the entrance of Jerash just in time to acquire our tickets to the Hippodrome where the ancient Roman heritage of the city was about to come to life.

2009-06-25T22:41:38Z

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JERASH - We returned to the entrance of Jerash just in time to acquire our tickets to the Hippodrome where the ancient Roman heritage of the city was about to come to life.

JERASH - As soon as everyone was seated, over the horizon and into the Hippodrome marched a company of Roman Legionnaires.

2009-06-25T22:43:09Z

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JERASH - As soon as everyone was seated, over the horizon and into the Hippodrome marched a company of Roman Legionnaires.

JERASH - To the beat of martial music, the VI Legion Ferrata – the Ironclad – named for the legionnaires stationed in Arabia and Judea, entered the arena, wielding pilae (spears) ...

2009-06-25T22:40:35Z

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JERASH - To the beat of martial music, the VI Legion Ferrata – the Ironclad – named for the legionnaires stationed in Arabia and Judea, entered the arena, wielding pilae (spears) ...

JERASH - ....the Roman's famous short stabbing sword, the gladius.

2009-06-25T22:44:35Z

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JERASH - ....the Roman's famous short stabbing sword, the gladius.

JERASH - Now this is what we would call a "game face."

2009-02-11T09:02:44Z

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JERASH - Now this is what we would call a "game face."

JERASH - There was a demonstration of Roman-style combat. We learned, for example, that each Roman soldier fought on the front line for only 8 minutes before his place was taken by another ...

2009-02-18T09:11:12Z

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JERASH - There was a demonstration of Roman-style combat. We learned, for example, that each Roman soldier fought on the front line for only 8 minutes before his place was taken by another ...

JERASH - There was a demonstration of legionnaire tactics, such as the formation the Romans used to protect themselves from the stones and arrows of their enemy while advancing on a fortifie ...

2009-02-11T08:07:19Z

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JERASH - There was a demonstration of legionnaire tactics, such as the formation the Romans used to protect themselves from the stones and arrows of their enemy while advancing on a fortifie ...

JERASH - When the Roman soldiers left the field, the gladiators took centerstage, most of whom looked well suited for their parts.

2009-02-11T09:00:27Z

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JERASH - When the Roman soldiers left the field, the gladiators took centerstage, most of whom looked well suited for their parts.

JERASH - Fighting ensued with spears, nets, tridents, and in this case, the gladius (or would it be gladii?).

2009-06-25T23:00:15Z

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JERASH - Fighting ensued with spears, nets, tridents, and in this case, the gladius (or would it be gladii?).

JERASH - Slaves and criminals facing death or fighting for freedom. The audience would decide...

2009-06-25T22:43:59Z

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JERASH - Slaves and criminals facing death or fighting for freedom. The audience would decide...

JERASH - ...and we let most of them live (mainly because there was a second show later in the day).

2009-02-11T09:03:28Z

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JERASH - ...and we let most of them live (mainly because there was a second show later in the day).

JERASH - The grand finale was to be a chariot race - two chariots, two horses per chariot, each whipping around the hippodrome in a whirl of dust, jostling for position at each turn, a race ...

2009-06-25T22:41:29Z

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JERASH - The grand finale was to be a chariot race - two chariots, two horses per chariot, each whipping around the hippodrome in a whirl of dust, jostling for position at each turn, a race ...

JERASH - Turned out, the chariot race was sort of anticlimatic. The two chariots circled the arena three times before calling it quits and rolling to a stop, ready to pose for pictures.

2009-06-25T22:42:23Z

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JERASH - Turned out, the chariot race was sort of anticlimatic. The two chariots circled the arena three times before calling it quits and rolling to a stop, ready to pose for pictures.

JERASH - At the conclusion of the show, the spectators were allowed to mingle with the performers. From our group, David was clearly our most intimidating choice to pose with the gladiators ...

2009-06-25T22:39:24Z

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JERASH - At the conclusion of the show, the spectators were allowed to mingle with the performers. From our group, David was clearly our most intimidating choice to pose with the gladiators ...

JERASH - A Roman legionnaire was, if anything, colorful and with the Jordanian sun straight overhead, probably very hot under that armor.

2009-06-25T22:39:26Z

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JERASH - A Roman legionnaire was, if anything, colorful and with the Jordanian sun straight overhead, probably very hot under that armor.

JORDAN - Our next excursion took us just west of Jerash into the fertile Ajlun mountains of northern Jordan.

2009-02-11T09:02:42Z

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JORDAN - Our next excursion took us just west of Jerash into the fertile Ajlun mountains of northern Jordan.

ANJARA - We passed through the town of Anjara, where legend recounts that Jesus, His disciples, and His mother Mary passed through the town and rested there in a cave, which has been commemo ...

2009-02-11T08:59:17Z

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ANJARA - We passed through the town of Anjara, where legend recounts that Jesus, His disciples, and His mother Mary passed through the town and rested there in a cave, which has been commemo ...

ANJARA - Inside the Lady of the Mountain church, a shrine commemorates Mary and Jesus.

2009-06-25T23:05:06Z

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ANJARA - Inside the Lady of the Mountain church, a shrine commemorates Mary and Jesus.

AJLUN CASTLE - Our next destination was the Qalat er-Rabad, or in English, the Ajlun Castle, the base of the Arab forces of Saladin when he defeated the Crusaders in the 12th century.

2009-06-25T22:43:38Z

1000places
AJLUN CASTLE - Our next destination was the Qalat er-Rabad, or in English, the Ajlun Castle, the base of the Arab forces of Saladin when he defeated the Crusaders in the 12th century.

AJLUN CASTLE - The castle of Ajloun was built in 1184 by a nephew of Salah al-Din (Saladin to Westerners) to defend the land held by the Arabs from the Crusaders. Originally it was a square ...

2009-06-25T22:50:48Z

1000places
AJLUN CASTLE - The castle of Ajloun was built in 1184 by a nephew of Salah al-Din (Saladin to Westerners) to defend the land held by the Arabs from the Crusaders. Originally it was a square ...

AJLUN CASTLE - We were greeted at the front gate by a local coffee vendor selling cups of Turkish coffee that had been brewed in a traditional feenjan, a distinctive long handled pot.

2009-06-25T23:14:28Z

1000places
AJLUN CASTLE - We were greeted at the front gate by a local coffee vendor selling cups of Turkish coffee that had been brewed in a traditional feenjan, a distinctive long handled pot.

AJLUN CASTLE - From the castle's parapets, we could see the strategic value of its location. Under the Mamelukes, Ajloun was one of the chain of castles which, using heliographs (mirrors), ...

2009-06-25T22:42:43Z

1000places
AJLUN CASTLE - From the castle's parapets, we could see the strategic value of its location. Under the Mamelukes, Ajloun was one of the chain of castles which, using heliographs (mirrors), ...

AJLUN CASTLE - The interior of the castle was a maze of dark corridors.

2009-02-11T09:02:57Z

1000places
AJLUN CASTLE - The interior of the castle was a maze of dark corridors.

AJLUN CASTLE - In some of the interior rooms, we found the rounded stones of ancient catapults - the ancient equivalent of an ammo dump.

2009-06-25T22:43:27Z

1000places
AJLUN CASTLE - In some of the interior rooms, we found the rounded stones of ancient catapults - the ancient equivalent of an ammo dump.

AJLUN CASTLE - Jeanne examines a large stone vessel, probably used to store water or food during times of seige.

2009-06-25T22:50:31Z

1000places
AJLUN CASTLE - Jeanne examines a large stone vessel, probably used to store water or food during times of seige.

AJLUN CASTLE - Sometimes the most interesting view was straight up. The stone arches that formed the roof of one of the chambers in the castle were a study in geometric beauty.

2009-02-11T09:01:57Z

1000places
AJLUN CASTLE - Sometimes the most interesting view was straight up. The stone arches that formed the roof of one of the chambers in the castle were a study in geometric beauty.

DEAD SEA - Here is where we reached the "low point" of our trip - "low" only in terms of geography. This was our first closeup view of the Dead Sea, at 1300 feet below sea level, the lowest ...

2009-06-25T22:38:46Z

1000places
DEAD SEA - Here is where we reached the "low point" of our trip - "low" only in terms of geography. This was our first closeup view of the Dead Sea, at 1300 feet below sea level, the lowest ...

DEAD SEA - No trip to Jordan is complete without a dip in the Dead Sea. The density of the water - 10 times that of seawater - makes sinking virtually impossible. But swimming is difficult ...

2009-06-25T22:38:52Z

1000places
DEAD SEA - No trip to Jordan is complete without a dip in the Dead Sea. The density of the water - 10 times that of seawater - makes sinking virtually impossible. But swimming is difficult ...

DEAD SEA - Many of our group soon joined in the experience and for photographic purposes, I gave up my newspaper (actually, it was "tall Bob's" newspaper all along.)

2009-06-25T22:48:50Z

1000places
DEAD SEA - Many of our group soon joined in the experience and for photographic purposes, I gave up my newspaper (actually, it was "tall Bob's" newspaper all along.)

DEAD SEA - Some of our group opted simply to get their feet wet. Perhaps they had read that in the past, the Dead Sea had also been called the "Sea of Sodom," the "Sea of Lot," the "Sea of ...

2009-02-11T08:56:57Z

1000places
DEAD SEA - Some of our group opted simply to get their feet wet. Perhaps they had read that in the past, the Dead Sea had also been called the "Sea of Sodom," the "Sea of Lot," the "Sea of ...

DEAD SEA - Jeanne decided that the best spot at the Dead Sea was in a beach chair under a cabana.

2009-06-25T22:38:40Z

1000places
DEAD SEA - Jeanne decided that the best spot at the Dead Sea was in a beach chair under a cabana.

DEAD SEA - After our dip in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, we were treated to the considerably more pleasant luxuries of one the local resorts.

2009-06-25T22:40:29Z

1000places
DEAD SEA - After our dip in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, we were treated to the considerably more pleasant luxuries of one the local resorts.

KAN ZAMAN - Our tour leader didn't want us to miss many of the Jordanian culinary delicacies. So on the way back to Amman, we stopped at Kan Zaman, a turn-of-the century Ottoman farm villag ...

2009-06-25T22:37:55Z

1000places
KAN ZAMAN - Our tour leader didn't want us to miss many of the Jordanian culinary delicacies. So on the way back to Amman, we stopped at Kan Zaman, a turn-of-the century Ottoman farm villag ...

KAN ZAMAN - We heartily grabbed for pizzas fresh from the brick oven.

2009-06-25T22:36:03Z

1000places
KAN ZAMAN - We heartily grabbed for pizzas fresh from the brick oven.

KAN ZAMAN - This was Jeanne's type of pizza - not a pepperoni to be found.

2009-02-11T08:53:20Z

1000places
KAN ZAMAN - This was Jeanne's type of pizza - not a pepperoni to be found.