Ephesus

A view from ephesus excursion
A view from ephesus excursion

Ephesus

Ephesus attracts millions every year with its spectacular archaeology and sights.

Ephesus being one of the best preserved and largest ancient sites in the Mediterranean, Ephesus offers sights like the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the Library of Celsius, The Ancient Brothel and an impressively large amphitheatre which has hosted stars like Elton John and Tom Jones.

Ephesus has played a great role in the history of Christianity. St. Paul stayed here for three years during which he wrote his letters to the Corinthians. Situated 9 km ahead of Ephesus is the entrancing shrine of the Virgin Mary where she came with St. John to spread Christianity and spend her last days on earth. The shrine has been declared a pilgrimage site by the Vatican.

Terraced Houses of Ephesus

Along Curetes Street, just behind the shops near the Library of Celsus there are six luxurious residential buildings that were in use from the 1st century AD through the 7th century AD. Because of their location on the slopes of Mt. Coressus they have become known as the Slope Houses or the Terrace Houses.

Each house has an elaborate series of decorations. One of the houses open to the public has a black-and-white mosaic and a marble floor with the remains of a fountain in the center. The walls are decorated with frescoes involving theater scenes.

The other house was altered and extended several times. It has mosaics and frescoes in several of the rooms and an atrium with Corinthian columns. A 5th-century glass mosaic in a niche depicts the heads of Dionysus and Ariadne. During this time Rome would have already been converted to Christianity, making the pagan subject especially interesting to archeologists.

Curetes Street of Ephesus

Curetes Street is one of the three main streets of Ephesus. It runs between the Hercules Gate and the Celsus Library. The street was an archaic Processional Way, an important sacred route that lead to the Temple of Artemis. Therefore, it takes its name from the priests that would walk the street during religious ceremonies.

The street was home to many fountains, monuments, and statues. There were also houses on the slope that would have been used by the wealthiest of Ephesians. Under these houses were colonnaded galleries and shops with mosaic tiled floors. The roofs of the houses would have been used to shelter shopping pedestrians from sun or rain.

The Celsus Library of Ephesus

The Celsus Library was the third largest library in the ancient world and one of the most spectacular buildings in Ephesus. It was built by the Council Gaius Julius Aquila in the 1st century A.D. as a memorial for his father Julius Celsus Polemeanus. Celsus was a councilman and governor who donated 25,000 dinars for the completion and maintenance of the monumental library before his death.

The governor’s marble tomb was kept in a special room beneath the ground floor which could be accessed through a corridor connected to a gate behind the library’s north wall. Thus the library was also a heroon.

The library burned in the 3rd century AD and was restored in the 4th century AD. It was destroyed by an earthquake in the 10th century AD. The library has been restored with the aid of the Austrian Archaeological Institute. Statues said to be the virtues of Celsus were found in the library and taken to Ephesus Museum in Vienna. Replicas of the statues symbolizing wisdom (Sophia), knowledge (Episteme), intelligence (Ennoia) and valor (Arete) can be seen in niches on the walls today.

Marble Street

The road circling Mount Pion was the main road through the city and also accepted as the holy road or Sacred Way of Ephesus. The section of the road between Celsus Library and the Commercial Agora was covered with marble plates. The original construction dates to the 1st century AD, though it was rebuilt in the 5th century AD.

Anyone whose foot was smaller than the one on the pavement would have been declared underage and denied entry. The woman and the heart are said to mean that beautiful women are waiting at that building and eager for affection. The coin-purse tells visitors their affection can be purchased, but if you’re out of money at least the library is nearby.

Temple of Hadrian

This temple dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian is considered one of the best preserved and most beautiful structures on Curetes Street. It was constructed in the beginning of the 2nd century AD by P. Quintilius to celebrate Hadrian visiting the city from Athens. Emperor Hadrian was considered one of the Five of Good Emperors. This term is used for the Roman emperors Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius. These men succeeded in winning the support and cooperation of the senate, something previous emperors had been unable to accomplish.

The Temple of Hadrian has recently been renovated. The statues and friezes have been replaced with replicas of the originals. The originals have been removed and are currently on display in the Ephesus Museum.

The Great Theatre of Ephesus

The Great Theatre is believed to have been built during the Hellenistic ages and has been attributed to Lysimachus, the marshal of Alexander the Great, although there is no archaeological evidence for its existence before 100 BC. However, Lysimachus may have chosen the building site. It would required 60 years of digging in the mountainside to prepare for the construction and eventual expansion of the building. The theatre was greatly damaged by earthquakes in the 4th century AD and only partially repaired/ By the 8th century AD it had become part of the city’s defense system.

There was an altar in the middle of the stage podium would have been used to offer sacrifices on feast days. During the Roman era the audience would be charged an entrance fee for entertainment, but plays started in the early morning and would often continue until midnight. The theatre would also have been used for gladiator fights during this time. The theater is often included in lists of local sacred destinations because of its biblical significance. It is the place where St. Paul preached against the pagans.

The Roman latrine of Ephesus

The Roman latrine of Ephesus was first constructed in the 1st century AD as part of what would eventually become the Scholastica Baths. They were the public toilets of the city to be used by poor citizens who could not afford a toilet in their home, and there was an entrance fee. However, the latrines were not strictly used for answering the call of nature. In Roman culture this building would have served the same social purpose as the baths. Citizens would stay in the Latrinas for long periods of time to relax and discuss concerns of the day.

Citizens would have been given sticks with a sponge on attached to clean themselves after using the latrines. The sponges were kept in vinegar for hygiene then washed in the fresh water running in the drains in front of the toilets before use.

Harbour Street of Ephesus

Harbor Street, initially built in the Hellenistic Period to run between the Harbour and the Great Theatre, was renamed Arcadian Street in the 1st century AD after it was renovated under the reign of Emperor Arcadius.

This street was one of the main streets through the city and it lead to the harbor with an entrance from the port. This was the first street sailors and merchants encountered when they arrived Ephesus. It was also the primary way kings, emperors, and councilors from other cities would enter the city. These official visitors would be officially greeted on the street so it was decorated to impress visitors. Huge columns, marble slabs, colonnades, and sculptures adorned the sides of the street.

Other structurally important features were the water and sewer channels ran beneath the marble flagstones, and the streetlamps. At the time, Arcadian Street was one of only three lighted streets in the empire. The others were Rome and Antioch. An impressive 50 streetlights were placed on the road to light up its colonnades. The street ends near the Theatre Gymnasium, a 2nd century AD building that was used for a sports ground.

Temple of Hestia

Just behind the market basilica is the Prytaneion. The construction of the building dates to the 3rd century B.C, during the reign of Lysimachos. The building fell into ruins during the Augustan age and some the columns and other materials from the Prytaneion were used for the construction the Scholastica Baths in the 4th century.

During excavations, archaeologists found two statues of the goddess Artemis in the Prytaneion. The larger of these was found in the ceremonial hall while the other had carefully buried in the sanctuary. These statutes currently reside in the Ephesus museum.

The Pollio Fountain of Ephesus

The Pollio Fountain is located just to the south of the State Agora, directly across the Domitian Square from the Odeion. It was built in 97 A.D by C. S. Pollio and his family in memory of Sextillius Pollio, the builder of the famous aqueduct which carries water to all the fountains in the city. In the years following the initial construction, an arch and several statues were added to decorate the original structure.

Some of these statues were thought to have been redistributed from the pediment of the Isis Temple after its collapse. They were probably brought to repair the fountain after earthquake damage. The Head of Zeus, and the Odysseus and Polyphemus statue group have been moved from the site and are now displayed at the Ephesus Museum.

The Commercial Agora of Ephesus

The Commercial Agora is located at the end of Curetes Street near the Celsus Library. It is the smaller of the two agoras in Ephesus. The Commercial Agora was first constructed during Lysimakhos’ time, in the 1st century AD. The ruins from the Roman Agora were first revealed during an excavation of Marble Street between 1901-1907. The original market place from the Hellenistic period was discovered below the current site during excavations in 1977. The Hellenistic Agora was only half size of its successor.

An inscription along the wall of the agora is dedicated to the market supervisor. It reads: “The people of Ephesus express their gratitude to agronomy, Eutuches, son of Menecrates, for having pre-empted a rise in the price of bread”.

The Brothel of Ephesus

The Brothel of Ephesus is the building located at the crossing of Marble street and Curetes street. It is believed to have been constructed in the 1st century AD about the same time as the baths and the latrines. During Byzantine period, the front part of the Brothel was modified and used as stoa.

Along Curetes street is an ancient advertisement for the bordello. Most visitors notice the drawing of a left foot first. This would have meant the brothel was on the left side and anybody whose foot was smaller than that size would have been declared underage and denied entry. There’s a drawing of a woman and a coin-purse to tell visitors what could be purchased at the establishment and a box showing that the library was directly across the street.

Prytaneum

Just behind the market basilica is the Prytaneion. The construction of the building dates to the 3rd century B.C, during the reign of Lysimachos. The building fell into ruins during the Augustan age and some the columns and other materials from the Prytaneion were used for the construction the Scholastica Baths in the 4th century.

During excavations, archaeologists found two statues of the goddess Artemis in the Prytaneion. The larger of these was found in the ceremonial hall while the other had carefully buried in the sanctuary. These statutes currently reside in the Ephesus museum.

Church of St Mary Ephesus

This church is where the Universal Council of 431 AD convened. It is the first church to be built in the name of the Virgin Mary and is often called as the Double Church since one part of the church was for Mother Mary and the other was for John the Apostle. The structure was used as an educational center for Ephesian Christian priests and also a public meeting house.

The church was destroyed as a result of the Arab raids in the mid – 7th century AD but was used as a sacred site until the 11th century. Empty areas to the north and south of the church were used as graveyards during this time.

The Odeion of Ancient Ephesus

The Odeion of Ancient Ephesus is a small, semi-circular theater originally constructed in the 2nd century A.D and financed by PubliusVedius Antonius and his wife FlaviaPaiana. The building would have served as a space for political meetings, social events, concerts and theatrical performances.

Two corridors on each side of the Odeon would have given people access to the higher seats. There are circular gaps among the upper seats shaped like open mouths. These arched entryways are called “Vomiteriums” for their shape. Vomit is the Greek word meaning mouth. These would have served as entrances for late comers searching for seats.

State Agora of Ephesus

Like the Bath of Varius, the State Agora was renovated multiple times during its history. The first agora on this site was built in the 6th century B.C. in Hellenistic style. During excavation that agora was found buried approximately 2 meters below the present Agora. The current structure would have been built in the Roman Period in the first century B.C. along with a square temple.

The temple was demolished during the reign of Augustus and never rebuilt because of its connections with Egypt. The Agora was reconstructed in the 3rd century during the reign of Caracalla (211-217 A.D.) The final renovations were done by Emperor Theodusius (between 379-395 A.D.)

Excavations around the State Agora unearthed a large number of graves dating back to the 6th-7th centuries BC and an archaic terracotta sarcophagus. Near the area, about 3m below the surface, they also discovered a road surrounding the Panayir Mountain. This has lead archaeologists to believe the northeast side of the State Agora must have been used as the Necropolis of Ephesus during the archaic period. One of these tombs is currently on display in the Ephesus museum.

The Ephesus Asclepion

The Ephesus Asclepion was a significant ancient healing center located near the city of Ephesus, in present-day Turkey. Asclepions were sacred places dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of healing and medicine. They were considered sanctuaries where people sought healing and relief from various ailments.

Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the Ephesus Asclepion, which provide insights into the ancient healing practices and the cultural significance of the site. It remains a fascinating destination for those interested in the history of medicine and ancient civilizations.

The Domitian Temple

The Domitian Temple was built in the 1st century AD. It was originally believed to have been dedicated to the Roman Emperor Domitian, the first Emperor who allowed Ephesians to erect such monuments to the Romans. Recent evidence suggests that the temple was actually erected for the emperor Titus. Either way this would have been considered a great honor for the city. During the Roman period, Ephesians dedicated many buildings in the city to emperors. This helped secure good relations and the support of Rome.

The unpopular emperor was eventually killed by one of his servants. When they learned of his death, the citizens of Ephesus celebrated erasing Domitian’s name from inscriptions around the city. However, the Ephesians did not want to lose the city’s favorable status with Rome. They quickly re-dedicated the temple to the emperor Vespasian, the father of Domitian. The temple was eventually destroyed after the 4th century, when Christianity became the state religion.

The Fountain of Trajan

The Fountain of Trajan was built to the north end of Curetes Street on the east side next to the Hadrian Temple. An inscription on the fountain says it was built in the 2nd century AD and erected in honor of the Emperor Trajan.

The original pool was 20 meters long and 10 meters wide. It has been recreated on a smaller scale and the restoration of the fountain is ongoing.

Baths of Varius

To the east of the Basilica and the north of the State Agora, is a complex marble structure known as the Baths of Varius. The bath was first built during the Hellenistic age, around the 2nd century A.D, and was restored several times throughout the centuries. The multiple restorations are a major reason for the building’s unique look.

With the three classical bath rooms and other adjacent sections, the Baths of Varius covers a fairly large area. The building is in pretty good shape up to the vaults section, though past that you may need some knowledge about Roman bath houses to make it out what are you seeing. Beyond the three bathing pools, the baths boast a hypocaust to heat the water and public areas that would have been used to socialize. Excavations of the baths have not yet been completed.

Hercules Gate in Ephesus

The Heracles gate is located on the Curettes road and separates uptown from downtown. Two monumental pillars from the structure hold reliefs of Hercules. An inscription says the gate dates back to the 2nd century AD. However archeologists believe these reliefs were brought from other buildings to be used in the construction of the gate sometime in the 4th century AD.

This theory is supported by the fact that Curetes Street was used as a pedestrian area starting around the 4th century. It’s clear from its architecture that the Heracles Gate would have narrowed the access to the street, preventing the passage of vehicles. As materials from other buildings were frequently repurposed in new construction, it is likely the pillars were reused because of their decoration.

In ancient times, the two story building would have had six columns on each floor. Visitors today will only be able to see the two side columns. Other parts of the structure, including the archway are still missing, though some of the columns with reliefs have been relocated to Domitian Square for public viewing. The popular relief of the winged Goddess Nike in the square is believed to originally have come from this gate. It would have rested at the corner where the arch joins the pillars with Corinthian capitals.

Baths of Scholasticia

These baths were originally built in the 1st century AD then restored in the 4th century AD with stones brought from the Prytaneion. The restoration was funded by a Christian lady called Scholastica. Her statues still sits on the left of the eastern entrance, though the head of the statue has not yet been found.

When initially constructed the baths would have had three stories. The original structure boasted three entrances, two of which would have been public access. One led in from Curetes street and the second from a smaller street which crossed Curetes. Today only the ground floor and the arch of the third floor can be seen. The upper two stories have collapsed.

The Memmius Monument of Ephesus

The Memmius Monument is located to the north of Curettes Road by the Domitian Square. It was erected in the 1st century AD under the reign of Augustus by Memmius, a prominent citizen of Ephesus. He was the son of Caius and grandson of the dictator Sulla of Roma.

A square fountain was added on the northwest façade during the 4th century AD, 300 years after its initial construction. The fountain had four Corinthian columns, a long narrow pool, and four bases in front of the pool which held the statues of Roman emperors Diocletian, Maximian, Constantius Chlorus, and Galerius. The statues help date the addition of the fountain.

The Ephesus Gate of Hadrian

The Hadrian’s Gate is a triumphal arch built in the name of the Roman emperor Hadrian who visited the city in the year 130 AD. It has three arched gates and the Queen of Sheba, is said to have passed under those gates while on her way to visit King Solomon. The gate was closed inside the city walls and unused for many years, only being revealed when the valls eventually collapsed. With the exception of the pillars, the gate is made entirely of white marble with striking ornamentation.

Hydreion

The Hydreion is located beyond the gateway of Hercules, at the north end of Domitian square near the Memmius monument. This fountain installation was in the small area where Curetes Street the Terrace House Street would have intersected. The elongated rectangular basin has been preserved along with a water basin that is located high above the pool. It is thought that the fountain served more than a decorative purpose. With the large amount of traffic along Curetes Street, the water would have been used to keep the street cleaned. It also would have used to wet the stones way during summer months to keep the heatfrom reflecting off of the marble.

An inscription on the fountain claims that the Hydreion was built in the Severan period, around the year 200 AD, and names T. Flavius Meander as the founder. Reused building elements indicate that the site may have housed a previous monument in the early Imperial period.

Sanctuary of the Mother Goddess Cybele

Cybele, also known as Magna Mater (Great Mother), was a prominent goddess in the ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesus, located in present-day Turkey, was an important center for her worship in the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Today, visitors can explore the ruins of Ephesus and see remnants of its ancient structures, including the Temple of Artemis, which reflects the rich history and religious practices of the region.

The Stadium of Ephesus

The Stadium of Ephesus has also been referred to as the Great Theatre is believed to have been during the Hellenistic ages and has been attributed to Lysimachus, the marshal of Alexander the Great, although there is no archaeological evidence for its existence before 100 BC. However, Lysimachus may have chosen the building site. It would required 60 years of digging in the mountainside to prepare for the construction and eventual expansion of the building. The statium was greatly damaged by earthquakes in the 4th century AD and only partially repaired/ By the 8th century AD it had become part of the city’s defense system.

There was an altar in the middle of the stage podium would have been used to offer sacrifices on feast days. During the Roman era the audience would be charged an entrance fee for entertainment, but plays started in the early morning and would often continue until midnight. The theatre would also have been used for gladiator fights during this time. The stadium is often included in lists of local sacred destinations because of its biblical significance. It is the place where St. Paul preached against the pagans.

The Ephesus Temple of Serapis

The Temple of Serapis is located on the Commercial Agora near the western gate. Construction on the temple began in the 2nd century AD and there are indications that suggest it may never have been fully finished.

The temple would have been built for the Egyptian merchants that often visited Ephesus for trading. It is well documented fact that Ephesus had strong commercial ties with the Egyptian port city of Alexandria. The Egyptian merchants would have visited Ephesus often to exchange wheat, Egypt’s major export at the time, for other commercial items.

The remains of a baptisterium in the eastern corner of the temple suggests that it was converted to a church during the 4th century AD when Rome converted to Christianity.

The Ephesus Gymnasium of Vedius

The Ephesus Gymnasium of Vedius was a notable ancient structure located in the city of Ephesus, which is now part of modern-day Turkey. The gymnasium was named after its benefactor, Publius Vedius Antoninus, a wealthy Roman citizen who lived during the 2nd century CE.

The Ephesus Gymnasium of Vedius was a testament to the influence of Roman culture and the importance placed on physical and intellectual development during that era. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the gymnasium in Ephesus, which is a popular archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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