Ancient Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus can be found in western Asia Minor, (also known as Anatolia) in modern day Turkey. It is found between the cities of Aydin and Izmir, and is easily reachable from the tourist port town of Kusadasi. Ancient Ephesus was an influential port city in a strategic location between the East and the West.
It is still not known who founded Ancient Ephesus or when it was built. The Ionians conquered the city in the 11th Century B.C. It was alternately ruled by the Greeks and the Persians. It was even ruled at one time by Egypt and Syria, until the Romans took the city in 190 B.C. During Roman Rule, Ephesus was the capital of Asia Minor and controlled 500 Anatolian towns.
Religious Ephesus
Ancient Ephesus attracts Christians from all over the world. St. Paul, St. John, and even the Virgin Mary may have lived there. St. John wrote part of the New Testament and died in Ephesus. The Church of St. John, The Church of St. Mary, and the House of Virgin Mary can all be visited in Ancient Ephesus.
The Temple of Hadrian
One of the most beautiful buildings on Curetes Street in Ephesus, the Temple of Hadrian is remarkably well-preserved. The Temple was built 138 A.D. and dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian, who visited Ephesus from Athens.
Great Temple of Artemis
One of the wonders of the ancient world, The Temple of Artemis, may not be standing today, but you can still visit its grounds. A large gaping hole is all that remains a couple of hundred meters from the Ephesus Museum. The temple used to house a wooden statue representing Artemis, goddess of hunting.
Library of Celsus
It was one of the largest libraries of the ancient world, housing between 12,000 and 15,000 scrolls. Today, it is perhaps the most famous attraction in Ephesus, dazzling visitors from all over the world. The library was built in Roman times in honor of Celsus Polemeanus, a senator from Rome. On the sides of the staircase are inscriptions detailing the life of Celsus in Greek and Latin. Statues of four women, representing wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, and virtue line the open arches that lead into the library.
Modern Excavations
Excavations of the forgotten ancient city of Ephesus began about a century ago. Over the last ten years, continuous restoration has continued. The Austrian Institute of Archaeology has conducted excavations for 112 years on the ancient site. Recently, ancient wall reliefs depicting gladiators were discovered, along with an ancient graveyard for gladiators. This year’s excavations include 20 areas of focus. If you visit, you may see the excavation works in person—tents line some of the ancient roads of Ephesus. You’ll also notice how much still remains to be discovered—and perhaps plan another trip to see what can be uncovered in the next decade.
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