EPHESUS

Ephesus Ancient City Turkey

Ephesus Ancient City started as a simple settlement in 8600 BC. It grew over the centuries and became one of the most important world capitals of its time.
The city is very developed thanks to the fact that the Selçuk district of Izmir, where it was founded, is one of the most fertile lands of Anatolia. Trade routes pass through here, and it has a port connecting the east and west of the world. It lived its golden age after being annexed to the Roman Empire in 129 BC. It became the capital of the Asian Province. During this period, Ephesus turned into one of the biggest metropolises of its age with a population of over 200,000.

The wealth accumulated in the city is also reflected in the architecture. It is possible to guess what an impressive city it is from the magnificence of the Celsus Library, which is exhibited once again. It is said to be competing with Rome.

The most famous structure of the city with its beauty is the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the world, built by the Lydian king Creseus in 550 BC before the city was conquered by the Romans. Ephesus was home to people of many religions and races. St. Paul in Ephesus, who trusts in the atmosphere of tolerance here, brought Mary here to be safe after Jesus’ crucifixion in Jerusalem in approximately 36 AD. Today, the house where the Virgin Mary lives is a pilgrimage point visited by Christians from all over the world.

Saint Paul in Ephesus tried very hard to spread Christianity in Ephesus, and he gave one of his famous sermons here. Thanks to the conversion of many people to Christianity, Ephesus played an important role in the spread of the religion.

INSIDE EPHESUS ANTIQUE CITY

Temple of Artemis
Library of Celsus
The Odeon
The Temple of Hadrian
The Temple of Domitian
The Tomb/Fountain of Pollio
Basilica of St. John
Mary’s Church
Serapis Temple
Upper Agora and Basilica
Prytaneion
Marble Street
Domitianus Square
Heracles Gate
Liman Street
John Castle and many others.