If you have an opportunity to visit Jordan you should make an effort to see the RACE show at Jerash. RACE stands for Roman Army and Chariot Experience. You will see actors in authentic dress as armed legionaries, gladiators, and a short chariot race. The show takes place in the Roman hippodrome of Jerash. The view of the city ruins in the vicinity make this a wonderful setting for the performance. Full details may be found here.
Jerash was the second largest city of the Decapolis (after Damascus) in New Testament times. People from the Decapolis followed Jesus during His ministry in Galilee (Matthew 4:23-25). When Jesus traveled through the Decapolis he possibly visited the area around Jerash (Mark 7:31).
The photo shows the Roman soldiers of the 6th Legion from the time of the Emperor Hadrian (A.D. 117-138). A visit to this show provides several good photographs to illustrate New Testament times.
5 responses so far ↓
Roman army photos « Ferrell’s Travel Blog // September 11, 2008 at 7:30 am
[...] 2008 · No Comments A large number of visitors to this blog have looked at the post on the Roman soldiers and chariot races at Jerash, Jordan. Photos of Roman soldiers can be helpful in illustrating Bible class lessons and sermons. Think of [...]
Things Hoped For » Roman Soldier Pics // September 11, 2008 at 2:32 pm
[...] Jenkins has also written about the Roman Army Chariot Experience (RACE) here and [...]
Roman army photos | wejourney.net // September 17, 2008 at 6:19 pm
[...] large number of visitors to this blog have looked at the post on the Roman soldiers and chariot races at Jerash, Jordan. Photos of Roman soldiers can be helpful in illustrating Bible class lessons and sermons. Think of [...]
travelrat // October 23, 2008 at 11:05 am
Interesting blog, Ferrell!
I’ll be back for a deeper read soon
Best,
Keith (Travelrat)
Roman Soldier Pics : I.M.A.G.E: Imagine Man As God Envisioned // September 4, 2009 at 10:08 am
[...] Jenkins has also written about the Roman Army Chariot Experience (RACE) here and [...]
You must be logged in to post a comment.