The Department of Antiquities at Jerash (biblical Gerasa) recently unveiled some of the statues that have been unearthed over the past three years by French archaeologists. To date 27 statues of Greco-Roman gods have been discovered, including a colossal figure of Aphrodite, a statue of Zeus, and images of the Nine Muses sitting on their thrones. The statues were all discovered in a monumental bath complex dating to the second century AD. The statue of Aphrodite is made of Pentelic marble from Athens, and includes an inscription that indicates it was donated by a local priest named Demetrios and dedicated on March 20, 154 AD. Some of the statues are currently on display at the Visitor Center of Jerash. It was in this predominately Gentile area around Jaresh/Gerasa that Jesus healed the demon-possessed man who lived among the tombs (Mark 5/Luke 8).
Off-site Links:
- http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/unearthed-graeco-roman-statues-unveiled-jerash
- https://www.archaeology.org/news/7012-181004-jerash-roman-sculptures
- http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/nations/jordan/2018/10/04/archaeology-rare-roman-sculptures-discovered-in-jerash_1b2e14b1-5af7-43ce-afbe-3c18e470e034.html
