Hippodrome East Wall

View looking south down the eastern length of the 220 yrd. [244 m.] long hippodrome of Gerasa. 

Note in the foreground and along and outside the east wall the shops and stalls that were located under the seats.  Compare a similar arrangement at Perge .

On the far left of the picture the smooth path follows the ancient road that led from Gerasa to Philadlphia.  Just beyond the erect crane the arch of Hadrian’s Gate is visible among all the scaffolding.

The hippodrome could seat 10,000 to 15,000 spectators.  The starting area for chariot races was at the far (southern) end where there are 10 small and one large (all reconstructed) arches.

It is said that the 10 small arches were the stalls for 10 chariots while the larger central arch was where the dignitaries’ podium was located.

This image courtesy of Mark Connally.