Ephesus Ancient City

Ephesus is a spectacular ancient city located on the west coast of Turkey which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among its breathtaking ruins, visitors can discover a wealth of history, art, and politics that will leave them in awe of this impressive civilization. It was built in the 10th century BCE on a previously inhabited area by Ionian Greek colonists. During the Classical Greek era, it was a member of the Ionian League, but it was taken over by the Roman Republic in 129 BCE. The city was quite prosperous and patronized by many emperors leading to a number of incredible structures whose ruins attract travelers from all over the world today.

The History of Ephesus

Ephesus was founded around the 10th century BC, making it one of the world’s oldest cities. Originally settled by the Ionians, it quickly became an important hub for trade, culture, and politics. Over the centuries, it was ruled by many different empires, including the Greeks, Persians, Romans, and Byzantines. During the days of the Roman Empire, Ephesus was a thriving metropolis with a population that has been estimated to have been around 225,000. It was one of the most important cities in the region, serving as an important center of commerce, politics, and culture.

Throughout its long and storied history, Ephesus was home to many famous people, including the philosopher Heraclitus and the bishop and saint, John the Apostle, who was thought to have written his gospel in Ephesus. One of the most famous attractions of Ephesus was its temple to Artemis, which was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was a massive structure with over 100 marble columns, and it served as a center of religious worship and pilgrimage for centuries.

In the late 1800s, a team of British archaeologists began excavating the ancient city of Ephesus, unearthing a wealth of historical treasures. Over the years, more and more sections of the city have been brought to light, and today, visitors can explore a range of fascinating sites that have helped to paint a picture of life in ancient Ephesus. Many relics of the ancient city can be found at the nearby Ephesus Archeological Museum, but unfortunately, many have also been taken to museums in Vienna and London.

Historical Places to see in Ephesus

Among the ruins of Ephesus, there is a wealth of fascinating things to see and do. Here are some of the most famous highlights:

The Great Celsus Library

The Great Celsus Library is one of the most famous buildings in Ephesus, and was built in the early 2nd century AD to honor the Roman politician and statesman Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus. This impressive structure was one of the largest libraries in the ancient world, and was home to over 12,000 scrolls and manuscripts.

Visitors can explore the ruins of the Great Celsus Library, including its elegant columns and ornately carved façade. It’s a stunning example of the architectural mastery of ancient times and serves as a striking reminder of the wealth and power of the Roman Empire.

The Temple of Hadrian

The Temple of Hadrian was a stunning structure dedicated to the Roman emperor Hadrian. Completed in the 2nd century AD, it featured impressive columns and ornate carvings of gods and goddesses. At the temple's entrance, visitors today can see four impressive pillars flanking niches with the plinths where statues of goddesses used to stand. This impressive structure served as a testament to the imperial power of Rome, and visitors to Ephesus can still marvel at its intricate details and grand scale today.

The Ancient Theatre

The Ancient Theatre of Ephesus was built on the lower slopes of Pion Hill, perhaps as early as 300 BCE. With a capacity of more than 24,000 spectators, the Great Theater was the largest public gathering place in the city. The theater was renovated and expanded in Roman times, and was designed to host both dramatic and musical events. It’s an impressive structure, with a semi-circular auditorium that helped to create excellent acoustic conditions. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the Ancient Theatre, and imagine the sights and sounds of ancient performances.

The Odeon

The Odeon was a concert hall or meeting place used for various gatherings in ancient times. The structure was built in the 2nd century AD, and could seat up to 1,500 people. It was particularly renowned for its excellent acoustics – a testament to the skills of the ancient architects and builders. Today, visitors can explore the Odeon’s remains, seeing the remnants of its many seats and getting a sense of the grandeur of this impressive structure.

The Roman Agora

The Roman Agora was the commercial heart of ancient Ephesus and was home to numerous shops and marketplaces. It’s a vast area that contains numerous interesting features, including the Gate of Mazeus and Mithridates and many ancient columns. Walking through the Roman Agora is like stepping back in time, with stunning ruins, intricate carvings, and the remains of once-bustling marketplaces. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the economic and commercial world of ancient times.

Marble Street

Marble Street was one of the most important thoroughfares in ancient Ephesus, and was lined with shops, fountains, and statues. It ran from the Great Theater to the Library of Celsus and formed the backbone of the city's commercial and cultural life. Today, visitors to Ephesus can walk along this ancient street, and imagine the sounds and sights of ancient Roman life.

The Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis in ancient Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This stunning structure was considered the central religious focus of the city, and it drew visitors from all around the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, almost nothing remains of the temple today, save for a few lonely columns that serve as a testament to its former glory. Still, visitors to Ephesus can walk through the site and get a sense of its importance and majesty.

The Gate of Augustus

The Gate of Augustus, also called the Gate of Mazeus and Mithridates, is an ancient Roman triumphal arch that was built in honor of the emperor Augustus. It was completed in 40 CE, and served as a grand entrance to the city. The arch is particularly famous for its ornate marble decorations and intricate carvings, which are filled with symbolism of the power and majesty of Rome. Walking through the Gate of Augustus is akin to stepping back in time, with elegant arches, graceful columns, and intricate detailing that reflect the grandeur of the Roman Empire.

Curetes Street

Curates Street is a must-see attraction located at the heart of the city and was filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. As visitors explore Curates Street, they’'ll be transported back in time to the days when this market place abounded with the hustle and bustle of daily life. Make sure to keep an eye out for the well-preserved clay pipes embedded in the street that were used for the ancient city's water supply. Also look out for the ancient residential buildings, the mosaic sidewalk, Hadiran’s Temple, the Hercules Gate, and many other landmarks that line this ancient stone street

Trajan’s Fountain

Trajan's Fountain, once a towering landmark of the city, is a destination worth visiting. Named after the mighty Roman Emperor Trajan, the fountain is located on the Curetes Street of Ephesus and was built to commemorate the Emperor's visit to the city in the second century. The fountain comprised several levels of cascading waterfalls that were powered by an aqueduct coming from nearby mountains. Despite being in ruins now, Trajan's Fountain still impresses with its magnificent structure and rich history.

The Temple of Domitian

The Temple of Domitian, also called the Temple of Sebastoi, is a fascinating archaeological site that provides a glimpse into the religious traditions of ancient Ephesus. Located near the well-known Curetes Street, the temple was dedicated to the Roman Emperor Domitian, who was revered as a god by his subjects. As guests explore the temple site, they'll be able to identify the remains of its ornate architecture and see the once-sacred altar where offerings were made to the god emperor. Additionally, the temple holds other remnants of historical significance, such as altars dedicated to the city's goddess, Inanna, and her consort, Deiwos.

Visiting Today

Ephesus is a popular tourist destination for its numerous incredible ruins. The Library of Celsus is considered one of the best preserved Roman structures in the world. Visitors can also admire the impressive Great Theater, which once accommodated up to 25,000 spectators and is still used today for concerts and performances. Exploring the ancient city, visitors can also see the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

In addition to visiting Ephesus, there are other nearby destinations that can enhance the experience. The town of Selcuk, located just a few kilometers away, is home to the Selcuk Castle and the Museum of Ephesus, where visitors can learn more about the history and archeology of the region. Also nearby are other ruins which are historically linked to Ephesus such as the grotto of the Seven Sleepers, St. John’s Basilica, and the House of the Virgin Mary.