Hippodrome (Circus)

View looking south down the length of the 220 yrd. [244 m.] long hippodrome of Gerasa.  The hippodrome was built at the end of the first or the beginning of the second century A.D.

The hippodrome was encircled by 16 rows of stone seats and could seat 10,000 to 15,000 spectators.  The starting area for chariot races was at the far (southern) end where there are 10 small and one large (all reconstructed) arches.

It is said that the 10 small arches were the stalls for 10 chariots while the larger central arch was where the dignitaries’ podium was located.

The hippodrome, or at least portions of it, was later used as shops and workshops.

This image courtesy of Mark Connally.