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

The House of Hearts Jerash is a remarkable archaeological discovery that sheds new light on ancient life in Jordan. Uncovered by the Eastern Jerash Project, this Byzantine-era residence reveals how people lived, built, and interacted in one of the most important cities of the Roman and Byzantine world. Located in the heart of Jerash, the site reflects centuries of cultural, social, and architectural change, from prehistory through the early Islamic period.

As excavations continue, researchers are gaining deeper insight into daily life, trade, and urban development in this historic city.

Early Settlements Around the House of Hearts Jerash

Human activity around Jerash dates back thousands of years. Between 8500 and 4500 BC, Neolithic communities settled in the region. At first, these early inhabitants relied on agriculture and animal herding. Over time, they developed pottery, marking an important cultural and technological shift.

These early settlements laid the foundation for the urban growth that followed in later periods.
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 known as Gerasa, became part of the Decapolis. This powerful league of Roman cities included Philadelphia (Amman), Gadara (Umm Qais), and Pella. The city flourished as trade, architecture, and infrastructure expanded.

Later, Emperor Trajan annexed the Nabataean Kingdom. This move strengthened regional trade routes and further increased Jerash’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 period, Christianity played a central role in Jerash’s development. Excavations carried out in the 1930s uncovered numerous churches, highlighting the city’s religious importance. These discoveries revealed elaborate mosaics and well-planned sacred spaces.

In the 1980s, the Jerash International Project added new findings. It confirmed that Jerash remained active well into the Early Islamic period, showing continuity rather than sudden decline.

New Discoveries at the House of Hearts Jerash

Since 2022, the Eastern Jerash Project, led by Julie Bonnéric of IFPO, has focused on the House of Hearts Jerash, located east of the Cardo Maximus. This large courtyard residence dates to the Byzantine period and was destroyed during the powerful earthquake of 749 AD. As a result, many architectural features were preserved beneath the rubble.

Recent discoveries include kitchens, storage rooms, and a stable, all of which provide valuable insight into daily life. Archaeologists also uncovered a staircase connecting the Roman Cardo Maximus to the residence. This feature highlights the strong link between residential spaces and commercial activity. In addition, the building includes nine rooms, three-meter-high vaults, and an olive or wine press, pointing to both domestic and economic functions.

Greek inscriptions found on site may further clarify the history of the house and its occupants, especially in the absence of extensive written records.

Future of the House of Hearts Jerash Excavation

Looking ahead, the excavation team plans to document the building’s eastern portico in greater detail. They also aim to explore how elite residential homes in Jerash were connected to nearby commercial areas. These future studies will help scholars better understand urban life in late antique Jordan.

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Why the House of Hearts Jerash Matters

The House of Hearts Jerash is more than an archaeological structure. It is a window into centuries of human history, revealing how cultures adapted, prospered, and transformed in one of Jordan’s most important ancient cities. As research continues, this discovery will remain a key reference for understanding Jerash’s rich and layered past.

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