Ephesus, an ancient city located in what is now Turkey, was one of the most important cities of antiquity. It was an important center of trade, culture, and religion, and its ruins still attract visitors from all over the world.
Ephesus was located near the mouth of the Kaystros River, which gave it access to the Aegean Sea. This strategic location made it an important trading center. The origins of the city date back to the Late Bronze Age around 5000 BC, with evidence of human presence on the Ayasoluk Hill. The settlement, known as Apaşa in Hittite texts, was an important center in the Arzawa region.
The city experienced great development during the Hellenistic period, especially under the rule of Lysimachus, one of Alexander the Great's generals. Ephesus was relocated to its current location and became an important port city. Under Roman rule, it flourished and became the capital of the Roman province of Asia. The city's population grew to over 200,000, making it one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire.
Ephesus was known for its impressive architecture. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was built here. Although it was destroyed and rebuilt several times, its grandeur was legendary. Other notable buildings included the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theatre, which could seat up to 25,000 spectators.
Ephesus played a key role in the early spread of Christianity. The Apostle Paul visited the city and founded a Christian community. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary spent her final years in Ephesus, and her house is now a pilgrimage site. The city was also the site of the Third Ecumenical Council in 431, which dealt with the Nestorian controversy.
The decline of Ephesus began in late antiquity due to a combination of factors, including silting of the harbor, earthquakes, and invasions. By the Byzantine period, the city had lost much of its former splendor. However, its legacy lives on through well-preserved ruins that offer a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient civilizations.
Ephesus remains a witness to the architectural, cultural, and religious achievements of ancient times. Its ruins still inspire admiration and respect, making it an important historical and archaeological site.
Thermes and Gymnasium
The Gymnasium of Theatre in Ephesus, also known as the Theatre Gymnasium, is a fascinating site that combines both educational and physical training facilities. This complex, located at the beginning of Harbor Street, was constructed in the 2nd century AD and dedicated to the goddess Artemis and the emperor Antonius Pius.
The gymnasium was an essential part of Roman culture, serving as a major educational center where young men were trained in various disciplines, including art, sports, literature, drama, and speech. The palaestra, or place of exercise, was an open field surrounded by covered columns, providing a space for physical activities.
The complex also included a bathhouse with warm bathing pools, a frigidarium (cold room), recreation rooms, and halls for training. One of the notable features of the gymnasium is the Hall of Emperors, which had mosaic-decorated floors and statues of emperors. These statues are now displayed in the Izmir Archaeological Museum.
The Basilica Stoa
The Basilica Stoa in Ephesus, also known as the Market Basilica, is a significant historical structure located just north of the State Agora. This basilica dates back to the 1st century AD and served as a major gathering place for business and legal matters.
The Basilica was a rectangular building, approximately 160 meters long, with a wooden roof and three naves separated by two rows of columns. Initially, the columns were adorned with Ionic capitals featuring bull heads, symbolizing power. During the reign of Augustus, these were replaced with Corinthian-style capitals.
The Bouleuterion
The Bouleuterion in Ephesus, also known as the Council House, was a significant structure in the ancient city. It served as the meeting place for the city council, where important political and administrative decisions were made. The Bouleuterion was located near the Upper Agora and was built during the Hellenistic period, around the 2nd century BC.
Prytaneion
The Prytaneion of Ephesus was an important building that served as an official administrative building or city hall. It was located behind the market basilica and was built in the 3rd century BC during the reign of Lysimachus. The building was in ruins during the Augustan era, and some of the columns and other materials from the Prytaneion were used to build the Thermae Scholastica in the 4th century.
The Temenos
The Temenos in Ephesus, also known as the sanctuary or "peristyle with double monuments," is located between the Prytaneion and the Odeon. Constructed in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Augustus, it was dedicated to the Imperial Cult in honor of Julius Caesar and the goddess Roma.
Banqueting house
The Banqueting House in Ephesus, located near the Prytaneion, is a richly decorated hall measuring approximately 14 by 11 meters. Its exact function remains uncertain, but it is believed to have been used for banquets or possibly as a residential house.
The Memmus monument
The Memmius Monument in Ephesus is a significant historical structure located to the north of Curetes Street, near Domitian Square. It was erected in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Augustus by Memmius, a prominent citizen of Ephesus and the grandson of the Roman dictator Sulla.
The temple of Domitian
The Temple of Domitian, also known as the Temple of the Sebastoi, is a significant historical structure in Ephesus. Built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Domitian, it was one of the first temples in Ephesus dedicated to a Roman emperor.
Fountain of Pollio
The Fountain of Pollio in Ephesus, built in 97 AD by C. Sextilius Pollio and his family, is a remarkable historical structure located just south of the State Agora, directly across from Domitian Square.
Hydrekdocheion
The Hydrekdocheion in Ephesus, also known as the Water Palace or the Fountain of Laecanius Bassus, is a remarkable structure located at the southwest corner of the State Agora.
Inscriptions museum
The Inscriptions Museum in Ephesus is located on the west side of the Upper Agora, housed in a row of vaults that were part of the substructure of the Temple of Domitian. This museum contains over 3,000 complete and fragmentary inscriptions.
Curetes Street
Curetes Street is one of the main thoroughfares in ancient Ephesus, running between the Hercules Gate and the Library of Celsus. This street was an important processional way, leading to the Temple of Artemis.
Fountain of Trajan
The Gate of Trajan in Ephesus, also known as the Fountain of Trajan, is a monumental structure built in honor of the Roman Emperor Trajan. Constructed around 104 AD, it is one of the finest monuments in Ephesus.
Varius Baths
The Varius Baths in Ephesus are a fascinating example of Roman bath architecture. Built in the 2nd century AD, these baths are located near the State Agora. They are known for their intricate mosaics and marble decorations.
Yamaç Ev 1/2 / Terrace houses 1/2
Yamaç Ev 1, also known as Terrace House 1, is one of the luxurious residential complexes in ancient Ephesus. Located on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain, these terrace houses were home to the city's wealthy elite.
Yamaç Ev 2, also known as Terrace House 2, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Ephesus. This residential complex, dating back to the Roman period, offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the wealthy inhabitants.
Hadrian's Gate
Hadrian's Gate in Ephesus is a triumphal arch built in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who visited the city in 130 AD. The gate is located at the junction of Curetes Street and Marble Road.
House of pleasures
The so-called "House of Pleasure" in Ephesus, also known as the Love House or brothel, is one of the intriguing spots for visitors. Located near the intersection of Marble Street and Curetes Street, this house dates back to the first century AD.
Tiodos Square
Triodos Square, also known as Tiodos Square, is a significant historical site in Ephesus. It is located at the heart of the ancient city, where three main roads intersect: Curetes Street, Marble Road, and Ortygia Road.
The Library of Ephesus, known as the Library of Celsus, is one of the most impressive and well-preserved buildings from the Roman period. It was built in the early 2nd century AD in honor of the Roman senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemeanus, who was buried in a sarcophagus beneath the library. The library was designed as both a mausoleum and a library, a unique feature of the building.
The facade of the library is richly decorated with floral motifs and portrait statues symbolizing wisdom (Sofia), virtue (Arete), insight (Ennoia), and knowledge (Episteme). The library contained approximately 12,000 scrolls, making it one of the three richest libraries of the ancient world, after Alexandria and Pergamum.
The Library of Celsus was built to serve as a cultural and educational center where people could gather and exchange knowledge. Its architecture and decoration reflect the high level of technical knowledge and artistic skill achieved by the Romans.
Although the library was destroyed by fire in the 3rd century, its remains are still impressive today and attract many visitors from all over the world. The Library of Celsus is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Ephesus and an important monument of Roman architecture.
The South Gate of Ephesus
The South Gate of Ephesus, also known as the Magnesian Gate, was one of the main entrances to the ancient city of Ephesus. Built during the Hellenistic period, it served as a significant entry point for traders, pilgrims, and visitors coming into the city.
Named after the nearby city of Magnesia, the South Gate was part of the extensive city walls that protected Ephesus from invasions and controlled the flow of people and goods. The gate was adorned with reliefs and sculptures depicting various mythological scenes and deities, showcasing the artistic and cultural richness of the time.
Today, the remains of the South Gate are still visible and stand as an important archaeological site, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and historical significance of Ephesus. Visitors can marvel at the architectural details and imagine the bustling activity that once took place at this entrance to the ancient city.
Marble Street
Marble Street, also known as Marble Road, is one of the main thoroughfares in ancient Ephesus. This street stretches from the Great Theatre to the Celsus Library, forming part of the sacred way that leads to the Temple of Artemis.
Constructed in the 1st century AD and rebuilt in the 5th century AD, Marble Street is paved with marble slabs, which give it its name. The western side of the road is enclosed by the agora wall, and on the wall is a higher platform constructed during the reign of Nero for pedestrians1.
One of the most interesting features of Marble Street is the ancient advertisement believed to be for a brothel. This advertisement, considered the first in history, includes a footprint, a woman's head, and a heart, symbolizing that one should turn at that point to find the brothel.
Marble Street is lined with busts and statues of important figures, and letters from emperors were carved into the marble blocks for people to read. It's a fascinating glimpse into the daily life and social structure of ancient Ephesus.
The Great Theatre
The Great Theatre in Ephesus is one of the most magnificent and well-preserved structures in the ancient city. Located on the slope of Panayir Hill, opposite Harbor Street, it is easily visible when entering from the south entrance to Ephesus.
Constructed in the 3rd century BC during the reign of Lysimachos, the theatre was later expanded and renovated during the Roman period. It could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators, making it the largest theatre in Anatolia. The theatre features a semicircular auditorium with tiered seating, a commanding stage, and exceptional acoustics that allow even whispers from the stage to be heard clearly in the farthest rows.
The Great Theatre was not only a venue for dramatic performances but also a central hub for social gatherings, political meetings, and even gladiator fights during the Roman era. Its grandeur and size symbolized the prominence and wealth of Ephesus as a cultural and political hub in the ancient world.
Literature ans sources:
Lost In Time: Ephesus, Turkey (URL: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/case-studies/a7177-lost-in-time-ephesus-turkey , citirano in povzeto 30.12.2024),
Ephesos Yamac Ev 2, Ege Yayinlari (December 31, 2012), 283 str.,
So Called "House of Pleasure" in Ephesus (URL: www.ephesuskusadasiguide.com, citirano in povzeto 30.12.2024),
Bouleuterion in Ephesus, (URL:https://www.livius.org/articles/place/ephesus/ephesus-photos/ephesus-bouleuterion citirano in povzeto 30.12.2024),
Banqueting house in Ephesus, (URL: turkisharchaeonews.net, citirano in povzeto 31.12.2024),
The Inscriptions Museum in Ephesus,(URL: my-favourite-planet.de, citirano in povzeto 31.12.2024),
Curretes street in Ephesus (URL: www.turkisharchaeonews.net, citirano in povzeto 31.12.2024).