Amazingly Preserved Cardo in Jerash

The Cardo in Jerash Archaeological Site, Jordan, was the city's main street artery, a route where grand processions were once held, and where trade and commerce thrived. The Cardo, a Latin term for "heart", was a north-south oriented street in Roman cities, military camps, and colonies. It was the part of the city around which the rest of the urban plan was designed. This colonnaded street served as the main road through the city and is 800 metres long. The paved road, which was laid over 2,000 years ago, still has the marks of ancient carts. The road is also equipped with a complex underground drainage system. The columns that line the street have Corinthian capitals, which make the street look even more beautiful. These columns were once home to many shops and businesses, providing shade and shelter for people passing by. The drainage system, which was a marvel for its time, effectively carried rainwater and waste away from the streets, keeping the city clean and healthy. Regular holes were built along the sides of the street to connect to underground channels that carried waste to a main drainage point. #cherryblossom2024