South Theater Tourism

The South Theater is a significant historical site located in the ancient city of Jerash in Jordan. Built during the 1st century AD, under the reign of Emperor Domitian, this grand amphitheater has stood the test of time and is a masterpiece of Roman engineering. It has a seating capacity of around 3,000 to 5,000 people and was primarily used for performances, such as plays and musical concerts, that entertained the citizens of ancient Gerasa. The South Theater's design reflects the architectural sophistication of the Roman Empire, with its semicircular orchestral area, the scaenae, which is the stage building, and the cavea, which is the auditorium. The structure is oriented so that the spectators seated in the cavea are sheltered from the sun by the high walls of the theater. Remnants of the original stage decorations and the intricate carvings are still visible on the site. Renovated in the 1960s, the theater is noted for its exceptional acoustics and is still used for performances today, especially during the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts.