The upper section (attic)
was rectangular, divided
into two stories and
fronted with pilasters.HADRIAN’S
ARCH
THE ROMAN EMPIRE reached its widest extent
under Emperor Trajan, who died in 117. Just over
a decade later, in the course of his epic series
of travels around the vast realms under his rule,
Trajan’s successor, Hadrian, visited the empire’s
eastern bounds. Proceeding into Judaea from
Egypt, he visited Jerusalem, then in ruins fol-
lowing a local revolt. Having resolved to rebuild
Jerusalem and rename it, Hadrian decided to
stay in the region for the winter of A.D. 129-130.
He spent his time in Jerash. To commemorate
his extended visit there, a huge triumphal arch,
some 123 feet long by 30 feet wide and 70 feet
high, was erected to the south of city. Lying some
distance from the South Gate, archaeologists
believe it may have been intended to mark an
ambitious southern expansion
of the city. Such an arch was also
built in Athens following Hadri-
an’s sojourn there. Although the
arch was intended as a declara-
tion of universal Roman design,
it also incorporated Nabataean1 decorative elements.^
AJ WILHELM/GETTY IMAGESA DETAIL OF THE INSCRIPTION ON THE ATTIC OF
HADRIAN’S SECOND-CENTURY ARCH IN JERASH36 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019