Ephesus

The Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the most impressive and largest ancient cities in the world, is a prime example of a Roman port city with its sea channel and harbour basin. Founded in the 2nd millennium BCE, Ephesus grew around the sanctuary of the Ephesian Artemis, originally an Anatolian mother goddess, which became one of the most significant and powerful sanctuaries in the ancient world. Ephesus was part of the Ionian league, and took part in the Ionian revolt. The battle of Ephesus in 498 was one of the first events of the Greco -Persian Wars. When Asia Minor was incorporated into the Roman Empire in 133 BCE, Ephesus was named the capital of the new province, Asia, cementing its role as a cultural and economic hub.

Ephesus serves as a remarkable testament to the cultural traditions of the Hellenistic, Roman Imperial, and early Christian periods. The city center and Ayasuluk reveal the legacy of these eras through their monuments. Key examples include the impressive Celsus Library, Hadrian’s Temple, the Serapeion, and the well-preserved Terrace Houses, whose wall paintings, mosaics, and marble paneling illustrate the luxurious lifestyle of the upper echelons of society during that time. The Roman houses, with their intricate floor mosaics, reflect the art and aesthetics of the period. With a seating capacity of approximately 25.000, the Great Theatre of Ephesus is another architectural marvel that highlights the city’s cultural and social life.

Ephesus also holds deep historical significance as a center for the early Christian Church. It was the site of two major Councils and is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. St. Paul visited during his missionary journeys, and the city is traditionally believed to be the final resting place of the Virgin Mary, accompanied by St. John.