Ephesus is one of the few ancient cities well preserved in ancient times. Once in its streets, you seem to be returning in time, and you can imagine what life was like in the city hundreds of years ago.
In this article we will talk about where in Ephesus is in Turkey, and also tell about its history and the most popular sights of this city.
Ephesus - history of the city
Ephesus is located on the coast of the Aegean Sea , between the Turkish cities of Izmir and Kusadasi. The nearest settlement from Ephesus is Selcuk.
Since the second half of the 19th century, archaeologists have carefully restored the city, trying to discover and preserve the maximum number of artifacts - ancient buildings, objects of everyday life, works of art.
In the ancient era, the city of Ephesus was a major port that flourished through active trade and crafts. In some periods, its population exceeded 200 thousand people. It's no surprise that archaeologists often find valuable objects and large religious buildings here. The most famous ancient temple on the territory of Ephesus is the legendary temple of Artemis , the one that glorified the arsonist Herostratus. After the burning, the temple was rebuilt, but after the spread of Christianity, it was still closed, like many pagan temples on the territory of the empire. After the closure, the building fell into decay, was plundered and destroyed by marauders. The perennial desolation led the building to almost complete destruction, and the remains of the building were gradually drowned in the marshy soil on which it was erected. So the swamp, which was originally supposed to protect the temple from the harmful effects of earthquakes, became his grave.
The temple of the goddess Artemis at Ephesus was one of the seven wonders of the world. Unfortunately, today from it there were only ruins. The only restored column, of course, can not convey the beauty and grandeur of the ancient temple. It serves as a guide to the location of the shrine and, at the same time, a monument to the transience of time and human short-sightedness.
With the decline of the Roman Empire, Ephesus also gradually perished. Eventually, from a large port center there was only a barely visible trace in the form of a small neighboring village and the ruins of ancient buildings.
Sights of Ephesus (Turkey)
There are a lot of attractions in Ephesus, and all of them have a huge historical value. In addition to the temple of Artemis, the museum complex of Ephesus includes the remains of an ancient city, which includes parts of buildings and many smaller monuments of different periods (prehistoric, antique, Byzantine, Ottoman).
The most popular place of the ancient city is the Basilica with a colonnade. It was in this place that meetings of local residents were held regularly and main trade transactions were conducted.
One of the most beautiful buildings of the city - the temple of Adriana (Corinthian style), erected in honor of visiting Ephesus Emperor Hadrian in 123 AD. The facade of the building and the arch at the entrance were decorated with images of gods and goddesses, at the entrance were also bronze sculptures of Roman emperors. Near the temple there were public toilets connected to the city sewer system (they were perfectly preserved till now).
The library of Celsus, now more like a strange decor, is almost completely destroyed. Its facade was restored, but the interior of the building was destroyed by fire and earthquake.
In general, lovers of antiquities and the majestic ruins of ancient cities Ephesus really enjoy. Here and there there are powerful and slightly strange details of old buildings or fragments of columns centuries old. Even if you are not fond of history, in the ancient city of Ephesus, you will surely feel a connection with the past and the transience of time.
The largest monument of Ephesus is the Ephesus Theater. It held mass meetings, performances and gladiatorial fights.
In Ephesus is also located the house of the Virgin Mary - the largest shrine of Christian culture. In it, the Mother of God lived at the end of her life.
Now this small stone building is turned into a church. Near the house of Mary there is a wall where visitors can leave notes with desires and prayers to the Virgin Mary.
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