House of Hearts Jerash: A Key Archaeological Discovery in Ancient Jordan

The House of Hearts Jerash, an ancient Byzantine residence uncovered by the Eastern Jerash Project, offers valuable insights into Jordan’s rich archaeological heritage. Located at the heart of Jerash, one of the most significant Roman cities in the Middle East, it reveals layers of history from prehistory through the Early Islamic period. As excavations continue, researchers are uncovering how architecture, trade, and daily life evolved in this remarkable city.

Early Settlements Around the House of Hearts Jerash

Between 8500 and 4500 BC, Neolithic communities began forming in the area. At first, these early settlers practiced agriculture and animal herding. Later on, they developed pottery, marking a major cultural shift.
👉 Explore more in our history of ancient Jordanian pottery.

Roman and Nabataean Influence on Jerash

In 63 AD, Roman control extended across Jordan. As a result, Jerash (then Gerasa) joined the Decapolis — a federal network of Roman cities including Philadelphia (Amman), Gadara (Umm Qais), and Pella. Eventually, Emperor Trajan annexed the Nabataean Kingdom, boosting the region’s prosperity.
👉 Learn more in our guide to Roman ruins in Jerash.
🌐 Read more about Roman Jerash on Britannica.

Christianity and the Byzantine Period in Jerash

During the Byzantine era, excavations in the 1930s revealed churches, underlining Christianity’s importance in Jerash. Later, the Jerash International Project (1980s) showed that Jerash also played a key role in the Early Islamic period.

New Discoveries at the House of Hearts Jerash

Since 2022, the Eastern Jerash Project, led by Julie Bonnéric (Director, Ifpo), has explored the House of Hearts Jerash east of the Cardo. This large courtyard residence, built during the Byzantine period, was destroyed by the 749 AD earthquake, preserving many original features.

Recent finds include:

• A kitchen, storage room, and stable, offering clues to daily life
• A staircase linking the Roman Cardo Maximus to the residence, showing strong ties between residential and commercial areas
• Three-meter-high vaults, nine rooms, and an olive or wine press

Moreover, Greek inscriptions may help provide valuable historical context, despite the lack of written records.

Future of House of Hearts Jerash Excavation

Looking ahead, the team plans to:

• Document the building’s eastern portico
• Further explore links between Jerash’s elite homes and commercial spaces

These efforts aim to deepen our understanding of urban life from the Byzantine to Umayyad periods.
🌐 Learn more at the Jordan Department of Antiquities.