The Roman bridges in Jarash (Gerasa), Jordan: a re-examination of their design, chronology and function

This fresh perspective on the Roman bridges in Jarash investigates previously unexamined aspects of their design, chronology and function. It focuses on the contrasting design elements of two well-attested bridges, both likely built in the 2nd century BCE, together with a third bridge identified during the research. The South Bridge played a crucial role in facilitating road traffic, with its architecture incorporating core modules based on Roman feet and engineering principles aimed at effectively managing streamflow and floods in wet hydroclimatic conditions within a gorge. In contrast, the nearby North Bridge appears to have served both ceremonial and hydraulic purposes, although its primary function remains ambiguous. Access to this bridge was limited to pedestrians, despite it having one of the widest bridge decks in the Empire. These findings deepen our understanding of Roman infrastructure in the Near East, highlighting the diverse roles these bridges played in shaping urban transportation systems.