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Ancient Ionian Greek city; its ruins lie near the modern
village of Selcuk in Turkey. It was situated south of
the Cayster River, and was the site of the Temple of
Artemis. Traditionally founded by the Carians, it was
one of the 12 Ionian Cities and was involved in the
Persian and Peloponnesian wars. It was taken by
Alexander the Great c.334 BC and prospered throughout
the Hellenistic period. It passed to Rome in 133 BC;
under Augustus it became the capital of the Roman
province of Asia. It was an early seat of Christianity,
visited by St. Paul, and the recipient of the Epistle to
the Ephesians. The Goths destroyed the city and temple
in AD 262; neither ever recovered. There are extensively
excavated ruins at the modern site.
About Ephesus what you want to know everything with all
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AGORA
The broad area in front of the Theatre was the
Commercial Agora of Ephesus. Completely surrounded by
columns, this Agora contained three entrances, one from
the Celsus Library, one from the front of the Theatre,
and one from the Harbour. In the form of a square 110
metres on a side, the north side of the Agora is left
open, while the remaining three sides are surrounded by
a portico which contained shops. The eastern and
southern sides of the Agora were two-storeyed, the
second storey of the eastern side being constructed in
the form of an enclosed Doric stoa.
Originally built in the Hellenistic Period, the Agora
was reconstructed in the 3rd century during the reign of
Caracalla (211-217 A.D.). At the centre of the Agora was
a sundial and a water-clock. The centre of the square
was faced in marble and contained statues of the
philosophers, statesmen, and of scholars.
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AQUEDUCT OF
SEXTILIUS POLLIO
This aqueduct, which brought water to Ephesus, was
constructed between 7 -15 AD. on orders by Sextilius
Pollio. The structure is 3.5 kilometers in length and is
today located at Derbent Creek, six miles from the
Selçuk-Aydın highway. It presents a magnificent view as
it climbs up the slopes of Derbent along the creek. This
two-storeyed structure at Derbent brought water from
Marnas to the large fountain on the southwest of the
State Agora in the present ruins of Ephesus.
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ARCADIAN STREET
This street extending from the baths to the Theatre is
called the Arcadian Street. Originally built in the late
Hellenistic Period, the street was restored during the
reign of the Emperor Arcadius (395-408 AD.), from whom
it takes its present name. There were galleries and
shops all along either side of the street, which is 530
metres long and 11 metres wide. In the centre section is
a structure containing four high columns, an element of
decoration which was constructed in the 6th century AD.
Along either side were gates in the form of monumental
arches. Since this street extended to the harbour, it
was also referred to as "Harbour Street".
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ARTEMISSION
To the right of the road leading to Kuşadası can be seen
the ruins of the Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the
seven wonders of the ancient world. Artemis, the virgin
goddess of nature, and protectress of women in
childbirth is mentioned in the Iliad with the phrase:
Praise be to Artemis! She, who would water her horses at
the reed-filled Meles river, then pass speedily through
Smyrna on her golden chariot towards the vineyards of
Coloros."
The mention of Smyrna in this description would suggest
that the goddess Artemis is of Anatolian origin. At
another point in his Iliad, Homer gives the birthplace
of Artemis as Ortygie. Ortygie" means quail in ancient
Greek, and might also have been related to the Mount
Nightingale (Bülbüldağ) which was the site of the
original city of Ephesus. Furthermore, the Ephesians at
one point had a resolution passed in the Roman senate
stating that their place of origin was Ortygie, and
Artemis their patron goddess. It is perhaps for this
reason that the Ephesians erected such a magnificent
temple to this goddess. Artemis is not, in fact, a word
of Greek origin, but a derivative of "artems", meaning
"untouched", or 'unspoiled' in an ancient local tongue.
In Ephesus, Artemis was considered as one and the same
as Cybele, the goddess from whom the land of Anatolia is
said to have been born. She is depicted as a multi
breasted figure with many facets, and bears the model of
a temple on her head, in the form of a crown. This
triple-storeyed crown indicates that she is the
protector of cities, while the crescent on her forehead
indicates that she is the moon goddess. The breasts, at
the same time, link her to the fertility cult. Artemis
also bore the symbol of the bee, the emblem of Ephesus,
which indicates that she is a unique product of
Anatolian mythology. The ruined Artemision contained a
total of 127 columns, the 36 façade columns being
decorated with reliefs. It was 115 metres long, 55
metres wide and 18 metres high.
The earliest traces of the Artemision building date to
the 7th century B.C. The original temple was destroyed
by the Cimmerians, and was re-built during the 6th
century B.C Destroyed once more during the reign of the
mad king Herostratos in the year 356 B.C, Ephesus began
to rebuild its cult centre on an even grander scale
after that date. Alexander passed through Ephesus at
about that time and learning that the temple had been
destroyed and burnt down on his birthday, he expressed
the Desire to assist with its re-construction.
He wished, the new temple to be dedicated to him. But
the Ephesians could not assent to this and undertook the
reconstruction of the temple without his aid. The new
temple of Artemis measured 105 metres by 55 metres, and
was 25 metres in height, covering an area 6000 square
metres in all. Alexander extended the temenos to include
an inhabitated area around the temple as part of the
sacred compound. This sacred area was preserved through
the rule of several different kings and governors, was
expanded and finally abolished by the emperor Augustus.
In 263 AD., the temple was sacked and destroyed during
the invasion of the Goths.
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BATHS OF SCHOLASTIKA
The Baths of Scholastikia, which are located behind the
Temple of Hadrian, were entered by means of a stairway
alongside the temple. The statue seen in the large hall
on the west belongs to a wealthy Scholastikia, who had
the baths reconstructed in the 4th century AD. The
public toilets and brothel located alongside the
structure were first constructed along with the baths in
the Ist century A.D. It is believed that the baths
consisted of three storeyed. An extensive hall which
would have been the second storey has been uncovered
along with another room to its north and a tiled roof.
The room in which the statue of Scholastikia was located
used as a dressing room, and it extends to the stuccoed
hot room (caldarium) on the north. On the left is the
cold room (frigidarium). The marble floor of the
caldarium is built over brick supports, and under it
flowed hot water from the baths' furnaces on the left.
The frigidarium contained a swimming pool, and was
located alongside the dressing room. The baths could
house a thousand customers, and contained a library and
entertainment rooms. There is also a doorway opening
onto the street leading to the Theatre on the east
slope.
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BATHS OF VARIUS
To the east of the Basilica is a large structure built
of cut blocks of marble known as the Baths of Varius.
Built with its north and east walls carved from natural
outcroppings of rock, the baths were constructed in the
2nd century AD. and restored on numerous occasions, of
which the 40 metres long corridor covered with mosaics
from the 5th century is in evidence. With its
frigidarium, tepidarium and caldarium, and other
adjacent sections, the baths covers a fairly large area.
To the south of the baths is a large public toilet from
the Roman Period and other structures which were
unearthed during excavations in 1969.
This structure was possibly a gymnasium and Vedia
Faedrina, daughter of Vedius Antonius, one of the
wealthy citizens of Ephesus, and the famous sophist P.
Flavius Daminianus each had a room added to the
structure. The building uderwent major alterations
during the Byzantine Period.
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BASILICA
The Basilica, which starts from the Gymnasium before the
Odeion and extends to the foundation chambers on the
west was originally devoted to commerce, having been
constructed as an exchange. The Basilica was constructed
in three sections during the reign of Augustus over a
gallery with a single hall, which was located during the
Hellenistic period. This is a typical Roman basilica,
one unusual feature of which is columns, most of which
were restored and installed here.
Its location next to the State Agora permitted
commercial transactions to be carried out more rapidly.
It has been established that to the east of the Basilica
there was a stoa, which underwent major alterations.
From here, there were three entrances to the Basilica of
which the largest was in the middle. It was here that
the statues of Augustus and his wife Livia, on display
in the Ephesus Museum, were found. The Basilica is 165
metres long and contains columns with typical 1st
century A.D. bulls' heads and Ionian capitals.
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BROTHEL
A peristyle house behind the Hadrian Temple is known as
the brothel. It was built as part of a group of
buildings, including the Baths of Scholastikia and
lavatories, during the time of Trajan (98-117 AD.). Its
function was established with the discovery of an
inscription in the lavatories. Entering from the Marble
Road, a street sign in the form of a foot engraved on
stone indicates its existance. A second entrance gives
access from the Street of Curettes. The group of
buildings of which it is a part underwent restoration in
the 4th century A.D. It is a two-storeyed building, with
a large hall on the ground floor,surmounted by a number
of small rooms on the floor above, although these are
now ruined.
There are traces of frescos on the walls. The western
hall wasa dining room, and contains a mosaic depicting
the four seasons. This flanks the two main chambers of
the baths. The elliptical pool contains a mosaic in the
centre depicting three women drinking, a servant
standing, a mouse nibbling crumbs and a cat. The statue
of priapos, with outsize phallus, now on display in the
Ephesus Museum, was found in a well to one end of the
building.
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CELSUS LIBRARY
One of the finest structures in Ephesus, the Celsus
Library has recently been restored. Raised on a high
plinth, the building is approached via a broad flight of
steps.
It was built by the Consul Gaius Julius Aquila in 135
AD. as a heroon in honour of his father, Celsus
Polemaeanus, the governor of Asia Minor. The façade is
highly ornamented on two levels, and there are three
main portals. Over the portals were columns and statues
arranged in niches. These statues were female figures
representing the virtues wisdom, fate and intellegence.
Niches on the interior of the building were designeo to
hold books. The tomb of Celsus was placed in a crypt
below the central large niche.
According to the inscription on the architrave of the
building, its patron, C.Aquila, died before it was
completed, and the construction was carried on by his
heirs. Aquila left 25 thousand dinar for the acquisition
of books for the library.
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CHURCH OF SAINT JOHN
St. John lived here with the Virgin Mary after being
cast out of Jerusalem in 37-42 A.D. according to legend,
and it is thought to be here that St.John wrote his
gospel, and was buried in the church bearing his name in
accordance with his dying wishes. A wooden basilica was
first constructed on the site, above his grave, in the
4th century A.D., which was replaced in the 5th century
by the present church, built during the reign of the
Byzantine emperor, Justinian (577-565 A.D.).
During the 7th and 8th centuries, Ephesus was under
constant siege by the Arabs, when the church was
surrounded by a wall, which varied in structure over the
years, but possessed 20 towers and three gates. The
grand portal is the gate now used by visitors. The two
other gates are to the east and west. The walls were
built with stones taken from the Gymnasium of Ephesus,
as if in revenge for the Christians thrown to the lions
in that stadium during the first years of Christianity.
The Church is entered via the main portal dating to the
6th century, which consists of an arched entrance
flanked by two towers, leading to a small atrium where
one may see inscriptions related to the Church, which
were uncovered there during excavations. This atrium,
which measures 34x47 m. is on the western front, and
consists of a central court surrounded by an arched
portico with a balustraded gallery to "the exterior. A
number of amphora dating from various periods are to be
seen in the centre of the court. A three celled cistern
is buried below the western portal, and covered with a
vault. This is buttressed with flanking walls to
compensate for the curve of the site.
Between the atrium and the nave of the church is a long
narrow narthex. Massive lentils of dressed marble frame
the three doors leading to the atrium and into the nave
from the narthex. A wall and a number of portals were
added between the atrium and the narthex at a later
date, to create an exonarthex. Five cupola surmount the
narthex itself. The main church is cruciform in plan, a
classic plan with three naves, and a superstructure of
six, large domes over the main nave, with vaulted
flanking naves. The domes were originally supported by
marble and brickbond piers, still partially in situ,
with a row of blue-veined marble columns lining the
Church between the naves. The monograms of Theodora,
wife of Justinian, are engraved on these columns, which
enables us to date the structure. The above mentioned
rows of Columns are joined by a series of arches which
in turn support a second row of arches at gallery level.
The mausoleum chamber is situated before the apse in the
central nave, and is marked out by being raised from the
rest of the nave, with two steps between.
A chapel, originally part of the treasury in the court,
was converted for devotional use in the 10th century.
The frescos of St. John, Christ and other sacred figures
are contained in the apse. The treasury is reached via a
gate immediately before it. This is a centrally-planned
chamber, 6.30 m. in diameter, fronted by an absidal
vaulted hall and flanked by a chapel. The main chamber
is sub-divided by a cruciform plan, into a series of
cells, each containing vaulted niches. It is a
two-course building surmounted originally by a dome, now
in ruins. The baptistery is reached via a portal letting
into the forehall of the treasury. It is connected to
the Church via a long narrow corridor running parallel
to the northern nave. The baptismal pool dates to the
6th century, and was originally a tomb.
The plan of the Baptistery is somewhat complex. The main
chamber is octagonal in plan, and is framed by a narrow
corridor and flanked on two sides by absidal-planned
halls. The main baptistery is paved with marble, with
the pool in the centre. The baptistery predates the
Justinian church, being built in the 5th century.
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CHURCH OF THE VIRGIN MARY
Situated next to the Harbour Corn Exchange, this is the
first church to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was
also where the Third Ecumenical Council was held in 431
A.D., and so is considerably important to the
development of Christian dogma.
The building in which it is housed, which is 260 m. in
length and 30 m. in width, was used for scientific
training, and for the theological training of the
priests of Ephesus. The plan is that of a triple naved
building, and in the 4th century the church was
converted into a basilica with a central nave flanked by
two aisles, when an apse was opened in the eastern I
wall, and a Baptisterium added to the north side of an
atrium to the west of the church. The central nave is
the same width as the apse, while the flanking aisles
are somewhat smaller. They are separated from the nave
by two rows of columns, with geometric-designed
balustrade panels between. There are mosaics on the
floor of the narthex, to the western tip of the
building, decorated with geometrical patterns, while the
Atrium, which has one absidal wall is paved with stones
of various kinds. The Baptisterium is circular in plan,
and contains the baptismal pool in the centre. During
the reign of the emperor Justinian (527 -565), further
alterations led to the construction of a
centrally-planned chapel surmounted by a single dome,
between the apse and the narthex of the original church.
The cauldron in the centre was brought there from the
Harbour Baths. In the 10th century a further church was
added to the eastern front, with a small chapel being
added to the southern tip of the church The council
meeting held in this church in 431 agreed to accept as
dogma the notion that Jesus, the son of the Virgin Mary
was also the Son of God.
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EPHESUS MUSEUM
The excavations which have been continueing since the
last century at Ephesus, today are being carried out by
Austrian archaeologists. The works unearthed during
these excavations are being displayed at the Ephesus
Museum (Pictures). However the works obtained in
excavations prior to World War II, were taken to the
Vienna Museum. The works museum which formerly was
situated in a small building, the new building was
further enlarged in 1979 to the present size of today's
Ephesus Museum. The works brought from the ruins of
Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, the Ayasoluk Hill and
the Belevi Mausoleum are being displayed in this museum.
All of these are spread out in seven different halls.
The first hall is for household findings. Here, the
frescoes found in the homes of Ephesus and the mosaics
among which the head of Medusa and Dionysos of 5th
century take place, draw attention. The most remarkable
one is the fresco of Sokrates, the famous philosopher,
made in 1st century A.D. Again the head of Sokrates made
out of marble in 3rd century A.D. is also being
exhibited in this hall. Another remarkable work in this
hall which is on display in a showcase and made in form
of the fountain of a pool is the small Statue of Eros
with Dolphin which belongs to the 2nd century A.D. The
waters are being poured out of the eyes of dolphin into
the pool. Statues of Asklepios, the God of Health, of
Artemis, small statue of the Egyptian monk of 6th
century B.C. and the Statue of Bes, made out of baked
soil in 2nd century AD., symbolizing fertility are the
favourite works of this hall. The most attractive one
among the statues and heads of Eros, taking place in
this hall, is the Roman Copy of Eros' head made by
Lysippos in the Hellenistic period. Next to the child
Eros' head, found in Bouleuterion, the portrait bust of
Menander, the comedy writer takes place.
Busts of Emperor Tiberius and the Empress Livia, Statue
of Artemis and the bronze human head of Roman period are
some of the other works of this hall. From this hall, it
is proceeded into a hall where findings of a small door
and a fountain take place. The first work on the right
hand side is the head of Zeus of 1st century B.C Next to
this, the statue of Aphrodisias of 1st century A.D. and
in the centre the statue of a resting warrior of I st
century A.D. take place. On the left hand side of the
same hall, the statue group of Polyphemos and Odysseus
of 1st century A.D. can be seen. These works initially
placed on the frontal of the Temple of Augustus, later
were moved to the Fountain of Pollio. On the ground, the
friends of Odysseus killed by the giant and on the side,
Odysseus carrying a stake to take the giant's eye out
are seen. Right across from this group the statues of
Trajan Fountain take place. Here statues of young
Dionysus of 2nd century A.D., of Satyr in laying
position (2nd century A.D.)and of Dionysus and imperial
family by the wall are exhibited. On the other side of
this hall, are the statues of Laecanius Bassus Fountain,
also called the Water Palace. On the wall, the Roman
copies of the head of a warrior with helmet and the head
of Lysimachos of 5th century B.C are some of the works
which draw attention.
Ephesus Artemision Church of St.John Isabey Mosque Plan
of Ephesus Cave of the Seven Sleepers State Agora -
Aqueduct of Sextilius Pollio Odeion (Bouleuterion) -
Baths of Varius Prytaneion (Municipal Hall) Basilica -
Fountain of Laecanius Bassus Fountain of Pollio Temple
of Domitian Memmius Monument Victory Arch with Reliefs
of Hercules Street of the Curretes Fountain of Trajan
Temple of Hadrian Round Tower - Baths of Scholastikia
Brothel Terrace Houses Celsus Library Agora Gate of
Mazaeus and Mithridates at the agora Marble way Arcadian
Street - Ephesus Theatre Stadium - Harbour Baths Church
of the Virgin Mary Vedius Gymnasium Harbour Gymnasium
and Verulanus Baths House of the Virgin Mary Ephesus
Museum The excavations which have been continueing since
the last century at Ephesus, today are being carried out
by Austrian archaeologists. The works unearthed during
these excavations are being displayed at the Ephesus
Museum. However the works obtained in excavations prior
to World War II, were taken to the Vienna Museum. The
works museum which formerly was situated in a small
building, the new building was further enlarged in 1979
to the present size of today's Ephesus Museum. The works
brought from the ruins of Ephesus, the Temple of
Artemis, the Ayasoluk Hill and the Belevi Mausoleum are
being displayed in this museum. All of these are spread
out in seven different halls. The first hall is for
household findings. Here, the frescoes found in the
homes of Ephesus and the mosaics among which the head of
Medusa and Dionysos of 5th century take place, draw
attention. The most remarkable one is the fresco of
Sokrates, the famous philosopher, made in 1st century
A.D. Again the head of Sokrates made out of marble in
3rd century
A.D. is also being exhibited in this hall. Another
remarkable work in this hall which is on display in a
showcase and made in form of the fountain of a pool is
the small Statue of Eros with Dolphin which belongs to
the 2nd century A.D. The waters are being poured out of
the eyes of dolphin into the pool. Statues of Asklepios,
the God of Health, of Artemis, small statue of the
Egyptian monk of 6th century B.C. and the Statue of Bes,
made out of baked soil in 2nd century AD., symbolizing
fertility are the favourite works of this hall. The most
attractive one among the statues and heads of Eros,
taking place in this hall, is the Roman Copy of Eros'
head made by Lysippos in the Hellenistic period. Next to
the child Eros' head, found in Bouleuterion, the
portrait bust of Menander, the comedy writer takes
place. Busts of Emperor Tiberius and the Empress Livia,
Statue of Artemis and the bronze human head of Roman
period are some of the other works of this hall. From
this hall, it is proceeded into a hall where findings of
a small door and a fountain take place. The first work
on the right hand side is the head of Zeus of 1st
century B.C Next to this, the statue of Aphrodisias of
1st century A.D. and in the centre the statue of a
resting warrior of I st century A.D. take place. On the
left hand side of the same hall, the statue group of
Polyphemos and Odysseus of 1st century A.D. can be seen.
These works initially placed on the frontal of the
Temple of Augustus, later were moved to the Fountain of
Pollio. On the ground, the friends of Odysseus killed by
the giant and on the side, Odysseus carrying a stake to
take the giant's eye out are seen. Right across from
this group the statues of Trajan Fountain take place.
Here statues of young Dionysus of 2nd century A.D., of
Satyr in laying position (2nd century A.D.)and of
Dionysus and imperial family by the wall are exhibited.
On the other side of this hall, are the statues of
Laecanius Bassus Fountain, also called the Water Palace.
On the wall, the Roman copies of the head of a warrior
with helmet and the head of Lysimachos of 5th century
B.C are some of the works which draw attention. From
here, it is proceeded to the hall of recent findings.
Crosses, coins and the works of I st century AD. such as
glass trays, theatrical masks, candles found in the
Seven Sleepers' Cavern; the bust of Emperor Marcus
Arelius found in homes on the slope are some of the
works that can be seen here. The ivory frieze which is
one of the finest works of the Museum was found in the
homes of the slope in 1969. The work which belongs to
2nd century AD. depicts the war, Emperor Trajan fought
against barbarians, Emperor Trajan can be clearly
identified in the high relief on the central panel, From
here, it is proceeded to the garden of Museum. In the
frontal of a temple placed in this garden one can see
the friezes of the Pollio Fountain completed and placed
thereon, Also pillar heads, and on the west wall, tomb
and vow steles are being exhibited here, The large
sarcophagus which takes place in the garden is brough't
here from the Belevi Mausoleum which is at a distance of
11 km. from Selçuk, It is believed that this Mausoleum
of 3rd century B.C., belongs to Antiochos Theos II, died
in 246 B.C. in Ephesus, who is one of the kings of
Seleukos after Alexander the Great. Today at the site of
this Mausoleum which is 23 m. high and has dimensions of
29 .65x29 .65 m. only its pedestal can be seen
From the garden, it is proceeded to the tomb findings
hall. Here, interment ceremonies and traditions, and
also tomb findings are on display. Also, Mycenaean
dishes found in one of the graves which dates back to
almost 1400 B.C. and is located at St. Jean, can be seen
here. In the middle of this hall, a ciazomenae type
sarcophagus of 5th century B.C., found in the Trade
Agora of Ephesus and made of baked soil and also the
works found in it are being exhibited. Also, the works
found in the Seven Sleepers' Cavern are in this hall. In
addition, the statue of the mother Goddess Cybele which
belongs to 6th century B.C., and the stele of Olympia,
the daughter of Diokles of 2nd century B.C. are other
works that attract attention.
In the Artemis hall which is visited next, the statues
of Artemis and the works found in the Temple of Artemis
take place. Both statues of Artemis, one called the
Great Artemis and the other called the Beautiful Artemis
were found during the excavations made at Ephesus
Prytaneion. The Great Artemis is 2.92 m. tall and
belongs to 2nd century A.D. and has a triple bonnet on
her head. The Beautiful Artemis is 1.74 m. tall and is
made about 50 years after the other and besides her,
sacred animals take place. These statues, with their
multibreasts, represent fertility. The golden goddess
statue found in the excavations of the Temple of Artemis
which is on display in the showcase belongs to 2nd
century B.C. The ivory, baked soil, bronze and golden
works belong to the period between 7th and 5th centuries
B.C. and were left at the temple as vow articles. From
here, it is proceeded to a hall where emperor cults and
portraits are on display. The first statue seen in this
hall is of 6th century A.D. and belongs to Consul
Stephanos. Other portraits which belong to distinguished
inhabitants of Ephesus belong to 3rd century A.D. 4
pieces of friezes which belong to Temple of Hadrianus of
3rd century are also being displayed in this hall. In
the centre, a part of the altar of Domitian Temple can
be seen. Also Julia Paula's bust, and the bust of
emperors such as Commodus, Trajan, Nero, Germanicus and
Augustus take place here. When we leave this hall after
seeing the statues of Augustus and of his wife Livia we
shall have completed our tour through the Museum.
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EPHESUS THEATRE
This theatre, which had a seating capacity of 25,000 was
first constructed during the Hellenistic period,
although the present structure dates from the 1-2nd
centuries AD. The Roman Theatre was begun during the
reign of Claudius (34-41 A.D.), and it took 60 years to
build. The second and third storeys of the skene (25x40
m) were constructed during the reigns of the emperors
Nero (54-68 A.D.) and Septimus Severus ( 193-211 AD.).
Only parts of the skene now date from the Hellenistic
period. The Theatre has three cavea, each 22 rows, to
which access was obtained via flights of steps between
the cavea. The skene is 18 m. in height and the inner
façade was ornamented with reliefs, columns, blind
niches, windows and decorated with statues on three
levels. The semicircular orchestra, surrounded by a
channel, fronted a second skene supported on columns,
2.70 metres in height, which was approached by flights
of steps. This section of the skene was used during the
Roman period.
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FOUNTAIN OF THE LEOCANIUS BASSUS
On the southwest corner of the State Agora we find the
remains of a fountain. According to an inscription which
was turned up during the course of excavation,
construction of this fountain was ordered by Gaius
Laecanius Bassus in 80 AD. The facade of this fountain
constructed by Bassus, one of the wealthy man of
Ephesus, was richly decorated,and consisted of two
storeys which faced the street. The statues of Tritons
and Muses, which were found at the fountain, are now on
display at the Ephesus Museum. Because of the enormous
size of the fountain it has been referred to as the
"Water Palace". This fountain is connected to another
fountain which is located just opposite it to the west
of the State Agora, and also at the same time to a
storage cistern. The main section consists of a body in
the form of a semicirle and was built in the 2nd century
AD.
The fountain underwent repairs in the reign of Constans
and Constantius II (337-350) when the present wings were
added. In inscriptions, this structure is referred to as
the Nymphaion. It is the terminal point of the Aqueduct
of Sextilius Pollio, which was built during the reign of
Augustus between 7 -15 AD. The aqueduct was 3.5
kilometers long, and its remains may still be seen along
the Selçuk-Aydın highway. There was a cistern in the
upper part of the fountain, and the surroundings of the
structure were decorated with statues of the Emperor.
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FOUNTAIN OF POLLIO
This fountain was built in 93 A.D. by E.Atillius on
behalf of E.Sextilius Pollio. The fountain had a large
covered pool which was faced in marble slabs. This
Odysseus and Polyphemus group of statues, recently
uncovered at excavations still going on, display at the
Museum.
The fountain has been restored from portions which have
been found and raised.
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FOUNTAIN OF TRAJAN
Next to the Hadrian temple, also on the Street of the
Curettes stands this fountain, built in honour of the
Emperor T rajan (98-117 AD.). The pool was 20 m. long
and 10 m. wide. It has been partially restored.
Originally the pool was flanked by columns and statuary.
The statues are now on display in the Ephesus Museum.
The façade overlooking the pool contained a colossal
statue of T rajan in the centre, the feet of which
remain in situ. Parts of the torso were also found
during excavation. This is one of he finest monuments in
Ephesus.
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GATE OF MOZAEUS AND MITHRIDATES OF THE A
The most magnificent of the three entrances to the Agora
was the gate alongside the Celsus Library which was
dedicated to Augustus and his family by slaves, Mazaeus
and Mithridates. The gate was constructed in 40 A.D. The
dedicatory inscription in Latin belonging to the work is
visible on one side, and was made in inlaid letters of
bronze. The two prisoners originally were employed by
Augustus and later by his son in law Agrippa.
Subsequently they were manumitted and settled in
Ephesus. After making their fortunes they had this gate
constructed and dedicated in honour of their former
master. Built in the form of a ceremonial arch, the gate
consists of three sections.
The second magnificent gate of the Agora was this one,
located on the west, The front was richly decorated with
Ionian columns, and the gate, which was somewhat high,
was reached by a stairway. An inscription found near the
gate reads "Whoever urinates here will be punished".
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HARBOUR BATHS
Built in the 2nd century A.D., it was repaired during
the reign of Constantine II(337-361 ). Oriented along an
north-south axis, it stands between the harbour and the
Gymnasium, and is one of the largest structures in
Ephesus, measuring 160x170 m. and 28 m. in height. In
the centre of the large hall to the east is the
frigidarium, flanked on both sides by dressing rooms.
The frigidarium contains a pool, 30 m. in length. Marble
composite columns are set on piers 11m. in height.
Several statues were found there. The Caldarium, to the
west, is a spacious, high-roofed building. Large numbers
of statues were found in the baths, and their bases
remain in situ.
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HARBOUR GYMNASIUM AND VERULANUS BATHS
The Gymnasium was built in the reign of Hadrian, and is
entered from the Harbour Road. It is an
elliptical-planned, mosaic-paved open court, above which
is the gate leading to the Atrium. A portal flanked on
either side with bull-heads bearing gems, leads to two
pools. The building, which measures 40x20 m. has a
palaestra in the centre, as in other gymnasia of this
sort, surrounded by cells used by the students for
various purposes. The palaestra is faced with coloured
marble plaques. An imperial hall, absidal in plan,
flanks the northern wall. The Gymnasium was two-storeyed,
and to the east is the Verulanus Stadium, built by the
chief priest of Asia during the reign of Hadrian
(117-138 AD.), the largest of a series of sports
facilities lining the length of the Harbour Road. It
measures 200x240 m. and stretches from the Theatre
Gymnasium at one end to the Harbour Gymnasium at the
other.
Access to the main road is via a five sectioned portal
leading out to a narrow connecting alley. The Stadium
consists of a track surrounded by a marble-paved triple
columned portico, with access to the Gymnasium on its
western flank.
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HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY
Some four to six years after the death of Christ, St.
John is said to have accompanied the Virgin Mary to
Ephesus, where it is believed they dwelt in a small
house over which now stands the Council Church, or the
Church of the Virgin Mary. The Council Ephesus, dated of
431 record this. Later St. John brought the Virgin
Mother to a house on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain, the
position of which was later forgotten, until research
was begun in 1891 to find traces of it. Katerina
Emmerikin discovered this house at Panaya Kapulu, which
fits the descriptions given in the sources. It was
officially accepted to be the house of the Virgin in
1892 with the celebration of high mass there by Timoni,
Archbishop of İzmir, and this belief has recently been
confirmed by Pope Paul VI in 1967 and Pope John Paul II
in 1979 with the celebration of high mass at Ephesus.
The house is reached by a road leading from the ruins of
Ephesus towards the Bülbül Mountain, and is only a short
walk from the road (100 m).
On the site of the House of the Virgin Mary is a
cruciform church with a central dome, which is thought
to have been incorporated into the original building in
the 6-7th centuries.
The later structure can easily be identified, as shown
in red. Entering the church via an arched Rortico with
flanking niches, one reaches a vaulted narthex, from
which a raised portal leads to the nave and apse. A
statue of the Virgin Mary to be seen here was erected in
the last century, and is fronted bya grey hearth area,
known to have been used for burning coal, and traces of
coal and wine were found there during excavations. The
small room to the south was a bed chamber. The absidal
niche in the eastern wall of this room is regarded as a
shrine by Moslems, who believe in the saintliness of the
Virgin Mary. Arabic inscriptions around the walls are
quotations from the Koran relating to the Virgin Mary.
To the west are a series of fountains springing from
below the floor of the house. The water flowing from
these fountains is considered curative. Visitors are
free to drink the waters under the shade of the shrine.
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ISABEY MOSQUE
This mosque, located on the slope containing Ayasoluk
Castle and the Church of St. John, attracts the visitors
to the latter structure with its beauty. The Mosque was
built by the architect Aliye son of Şamlı in 1375 on
orders by İsa Bey, son of Mehmet, leader of the
Aydınoğulları. The structure is built on a 51 by 57
metres nearly rectangular plan. The door which faces
west is decorated with artificial stalactites, over
which is a dedicatory inscription.
Upon entry there is a courtyard which is surrounded on
three sides by porticoes with a fountain for ablutions
in the centre. The Mosque itself is entered from the
courtyard through a triple vaulted doorway. This section
possesses two domes set upon four granite columns. The
pulpit is covered with tiles. Three of the column
capitals are done in traditional Turkish style, while a
fourth is a Roman capital.
The western façade was done inspired by Konya Seljuk
works. The upper parts of the windows on the left are
decorated with rows of stalactites and inscriptions of
hadith (incidents from the life of the Prophet). The
ones on the right are each decorated in an entirely
separate style. This is one of the first examples of a
mosque containing two congregation places, and as such
it represents an important example of the transition
from Seljuk to Ottoman art.
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MARBLE WAY
It is situated on a square beyond the Herakles gate, and
was built during the 1st century AD., during the reign
of Augustus, by the Memmius family. Partical restoration
has been carried out with surviving fragments. According
to an inscription. The monument was erected by Memmius,
one of the descendants of the dictator Sulla. During the
4th century A.D. a large fountain was built onto the
north-west facade.
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MEMMIUS MANUMENT
It is situated on a square beyond the Herakles gate, and
was built during the 1st century AD., during the reign
of Augustus, by the Memmius family. Partical restoration
has been carried out with surviving fragments. According
to an inscription. The monument was erected by Memmius,
one of the descendants of the dictator Sulla. During the
4th century A.D. a large fountain was built onto the
north-west facade.
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ODEION (BOULEUTERION)
The Odeion, in which State affairs and concerts were
held, was ordered to be construct by Publius Vedius
Antoninus and his wife Flavia Papiana, two wealthy
citizens of Ephesus, in the 2nd century AD.
The Odeion seated an audience of 1450 and was enclosed.
Since the podium next to the orchestra and the stage
section do not conform to the style of a typical Roman
theatre, the structure was most likely used primarly as
a meeting hall for the Municipal Council. The location
of government structures alongside strengthens this
view.
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PRITANEION ( MUNICIPAL HALL)
The Municipal Hall, built together with the Altar of
Hestia alongside it, was at the same time used as the
sacred precinct of the City.
There was a sacred flame kept constantly alight over the
Altar of Hestia, and there were statues of Artemis of
Ephesus here which were marble copies of the wooden
statues located in the Temple of Artemis. The Prytaneion
was primarily a place where religious ceremonies and
rituals were held.
Although the building was first constructed in the 3rd
century B.C during the reign of Lysimachos, the remains
we see today are those of the sections which were
reconstructed during the reign of Augustus. The
four-cornered pit in which the sacred fire burned is a
relic from the reign of Lysimachos.
The building is constructed in the Doric style and is
surrounded by a large number of late-period structures
which were used for municipal services. A great number
of structural elements were removed from this building
during the construction of the Scholastikia Baths.
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ROUND TOWER
This is situated behind the Trajan fountain, at the foot
of Panayır Mountain. The tower was erected as a monument
in 50 A.D. It is square-planned, and set on a podium was
the cylindrical shaft surrounded bya row of arches on
two courses, now in ruins.
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STADIUM
En route to the ruins after the Gymnasium of Vedius, the
monumental gate of the Stadium attracts our attention.
The original Stadium was constructed in the Hellenistic
Period, and was restored and expanded during the reign
of the Emperor Nero (54-58 A.D.). The large vaulted
gates were later modified and repaired in the 3rd and
4th centuries.
The Stadium is 230 metres long and 40 metres wide, and
its right side rests on bedrock. On the left, vaulted
passageways have been constructed for the rows of seats.
Athletic contests, gladiatorial fights, and chariot
races were held in this Stadium. The stepping stones of
the interior have been carried away.
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STATE AGORA
The square structure built immediately alongside the
Basilica is the State Agora of Ephesus which is reached
from the Basilica by four steps. This Agora, which was
built during the Roman Period over the existing 2nd
century B.C Agora, was where all the city's business
other than commerce was conducted. Exploratory
excavations made in the northeast corner of the Agora
have turned up a great number of graves from the.7th
through 6th centuries B.C and a stone-paved road, and a
archaic sarcophagus of terra cotta was found here. From
this it is understood that in the archaic period this
section served as the necropolis of Ephesus.
Model of the State Agora:
1- Baths of Vedius, 2- Basilica, 3- Odeion, 4- Temple of
Divus Julius, 5-Prytaneion, 6- Memmius Monument, 7-
Garland frieze, 8-Fountain of Pollio, 9- Temple of Isis,
10- South hall, 11- Fountain of Laecanius Bassus, 12-
Temple of Domitian, 13- Fountain.
The Agora is 160 metres long and 73 metres wide and
appears to have been constructed during the reigns of
Augustus and Claudius, that is, during the 1st century
A.D. In the center of the Agora, a temple in a somewhat
different style was unearthed in 1970. This structure,
also from the 1st century A.D. appears to have been a
Temple to Isis. Constructed on a 10 by 6 column plan,
only the foundations of this temple have been located.
The superstructure of the temple was torn down on the
orders of the Emperor Theodosius in the 4th century in
the course of alterations which were made in the Agora.
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STREET OF THE CURRETES
This street, which starts at the Celsus Library and
extends east to the Magnesia Gate, is known as the
Street of the Curettes, and takes its name from the
class of priests referred to as "curettes" in long lists
found at the clerical schovl of chief priests. These
priests guarded the sacred fire of the Goddess Hestia (Vesta).
The street is decorated with fountains, monuments,
statues, and galleries containing mosaics. On one side
there are shops behind the columned porticoes.
The street assumed its final appearance in the 4th and
5th centuries.
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TEMPLE OF DOMITION
The Temple of Domitian (AD. 81-96) was the first
structure at Ephesus dedicated to an emperor. The
building is constructed on a terrace set on vaulted
foundations. The temple was constructed by the Ephesians
as a token and symbol of their friendship with Romans.
Today little remains of the Temple of Domitian, which
was located in the centre of a broad platform, exists.
The work on the temple began while the emperor was still
alive, and the structure was destroyed at the end of the
Christian Period. The huge statue of Domitian found near
the temple is today at the İzmir Museum. Approach to the
temple was achieved by means of the monumental stairway
still visible today on the north side of the terrace.
The façade of the temple was decorated with eight
columns. To the north was an altar, now on display in
the Ephesus Museum, which is decorated with reliefs
portraying various implements of war.
The terrace is 50 by 100 metres in size, and from the
north appears to be two storeys high. The terrace is set
on a foundation which rests against the slope. On the
east were shops and small chambers, where a fresco of
Demeter was found. On either side of the U-shaped
extension are niches, above which were located windows
which served to light the interior.
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TEMPLE OF HADRIAN
This is on the street of the Curettes, and is one of the
better preserved buildings at Ephesus. According to the
inscription over the architrave it was constructed by
P.Quintilius between 118-138 A.D., and dedicated to the
emperor Hadrian. Corinthian columns on the façade
support a triangular arched frieze, highly decorative in
character, which contains a relief of Tyche, goddess of
victory. A vaulted roof covers the colonnaded portico.
Four statue bases front the building. Demolished in the
4th century AD. during restoration, the two friezes
flanking the portal were brought from other buildings
and mounted there. They represent scenes from the
foundation of Ephesus, and include figures of deities
and Amazons, and the Amazons and Dionysos in ceremonial
procession. The fourth frieze portrays Athena, goddess
of the moon, two male figures, one of which is Apollo, a
female figure, Androkles, Herakles, the wife and son of
Theodosius and the goddess Athena.
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TERRACE HOUSES
Houses on the slopes behind Ephesus are to be seen
opposite the Temple of Hadrian. Those on the upper
slopes are reached via steps. They are situated on the
slopes of Bülbül Mountain, with the roof of one house
forming the terrace of that above it. They were
inhabited by wealthy Ephesians, and are finely decorated
with mosaics and frescos. Built in the period of
Augustus, they were much altered and continued to be
inhabited until the 7th century AD., according to the
evidence of excavations. Two of the insulae houses have
been totally restored and are now open to the public.
Peristyle House I: This two-storeyed house covers an
area of 900 m2. It is a 12-roomed house entered via a
flight of steps leading down to a hall (A1 ), to the
right of which is another flight of stairs, flanked by a
facet and basin, which leads to the other rooms of the
house. A2 is reached via a passageway. It is the
courtyard, with four doric columns in the corners and
paved in marble. The remains of a fountain can be seen
in the northern corner of the court. Beyond this are the
halls A10-11, which have mosaic floors and frescos
decorating the walls. The house dates from the 1st
century AD, but these two rooms were added in 400 AD.
One of these rooms is flanked bya staircase leading up
to the upper floor of the house, and beyond that is
another chamber decorated with frescos and with a mosaic
floor (B7).East of the peristyle courtyard is a hall
with walls 4 m. in height. Situated next to the
entrance, this room is decorated with fresco scenes from
the plays of Euripides-namely 'Orestes', to the left and
the comedies of Menander to the right, namely 'Sikyonioi'.
It is known as the theatre room because of these
frescos. The other walls are decorated with figures,
namely the combat of Acheloos, the river god, with
Herakles to the left. The frescos in this room, which
also has a mosaic floor, must date to the 2nd century
AD. The house also possesses a bathroom, to the south of
the entrance hall (A.8), with the kitchen flanking it
(A.12). Next to this are various small chambers opening
onto the flanking street, and the service entrance.
Artefacts found during the course of excavation are
displayed in situ.
Peristyle House II: This is beyond the first house. It
possesses two peristyles and is larger than the other
houses on the insula. First built in the Ist century
AD., it underwent various restorations up to the 7th
century. The main peristyle (B1 ), which possesses
columns dating to the 5th century in the Corinthian
order,flanks to the south, a long gallery covered from
end to end in black and white geometric mosaics.
Opposite this is a second gallery containing mosaics of
Triton and Nereide. Triton bears in his left hand, the
spear of his father Poseidon, while holding the reigns
of the sea horse bearing Nereide in his right hand.
These figures are placed before the vaulted open niche
(B.6). The latter is paved with black and white marble
in a basketwork pattern. Frescos on the walls include
the heads of Dionysus and Ariadne framed by medallions,
surrounded by trees, peacocks, ducks and cockerels.
These mosaics are dated to the 5th century AD., and are
in extremely good condition. The vaults are framed to
both sides by a fresco frieze depicting Eros figures
bearing a garland. Other rooms of various sizes to the
east of the house are paved with black and white mosaic
patterns and embellished with frescos of birds and
floral patterns. The walls of two other rooms (B9 and
10) are decorated with fresco panels of muses, dating to
the 4th century.
B11-12 is the dining hall. Niches set into the southern
wall mark the wash-basins. They contain frescos which
were restored in monochrome at a much later period. The
kitchen is on the western corner of the house, and is
decorated with frescos of fish and birds. The second
peristyle (B14) fianks this hall.
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VEDIUS GYMNASIUM
As one enters the ruins of Ephesus, the first structure
one encounters is the Vedius Gymnasium the remains of
those monumental walls attract our attention. This
building was constructed around the middle of the 2nd
century A.D. by Publius Vedius Antoninus, a leading
citizen of Ephesus.
According to its inscription, this Gymnasium was
dedicated to the city's goddess Artemis and to the
Emperor Antoninus Pius ( 138-161 AD.) jointly by Publius
Vedius Antoninus and his wife Papiana.
The entrance of the Gymnasium, which faces the asphalt
road, is on the east. Passing through this doorway one
finds himself in the palaestra (courtyard), which is
surrounded by columns.
After this courtyard comes the hall of emperors, having
floors decorated with mosaics and which was fitted out
with statues. It was at the center of the back wall of
this hall that the statue of the emperor was found.
Ephesus Artemision Church of St.John Isabey Mosque Plan
of Ephesus Cave of the Seven Sleepers State Agora -
Aqueduct of Sextilius Pollio Odeion (Bouleuterion) -
Baths of Varius Prytaneion (Municipal Hall) Basilica -
Fountain of Laecanius Bassus Fountain of Pollio Temple
of Domitian Memmius Monument Victory Arch with Reliefs
of Hercules Street of the Curretes Fountain of Trajan
Temple of Hadrian Round Tower - Baths of Scholastikia
Brothel Terrace Houses Celsus Library Agora Gate of
Mazaeus and Mithridates at the agora Marble way Arcadian
Street - Ephesus Theatre Stadium - Harbour Baths Church
of the Virgin Mary Vedius Gymnasium Harbour Gymnasium
and Verulanus Baths House of the Virgin Mary Ephesus
Museum As one enters the ruins of Ephesus, the first
structure one encounters is the Vedius Gymnasium the
remains of those monumental walls attract our attention.
This building was constructed around the middle of the
2nd century A.D. by Publius Vedius Antoninus, a leading
citizen of Ephesus. According to its inscription, this
Gymnasium was dedicated to the city's goddess Artemis
and to the Emperor Antoninus Pius ( 138-161 AD.) jointly
by Publius Vedius Antoninus and his wife Papiana. The
entrance of the Gymnasium, which faces the asphalt road,
is on the east. Passing through this doorway one finds
himself in the palaestra (courtyard), which is
surrounded by columns. After this courtyard comes the
hall of emperors, having floors decorated with mosaics
and which was fitted out with statues. It was at the
center of the back wall of this hall that the statue of
the emperor was found. Part of this structure was used
as a bath, and in the portion looking out on the street
there is a dressing room and around this a tepidarium, a
caldarium, and a frigidarium.
All the statues found here are today in the izmir
Archaeological Museum.
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VICTORY ARCH WITH RELIEFS OF HERCULES
This victory arch with reliefs of Hercules is located at
the junction of the Street of the Curettes with
secondary streets. The monument was constructed towards
the end of the 4th century, but no other parts of it
have been found. If the structure to be completed; it
would appear to resemble the Arch of Constantine in
Rome. The reliefs of Hercules were originally made in
the 2nd century, and were brought here towards the end
of the 4th century from another structure.
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