10 Ancient Middle Eastern Wonders Beyond Petra

3. Jerash, Jordan

Tucked into northern Jordan, Jerash is often called the “Pompeii of the East”—but it stands as a star in its own right. The site features some of the most complete Greco-Roman ruins outside Italy, with stately colonnaded streets, towering arches, and ancient theaters that still host performances today. Jerash flourished under Roman rule, and its Flavian Arch greets visitors as a grand welcome to a world where history isn’t just seen but felt.