Ephesus - one of the most significant cities of the ancient world, located on the western coast of Asia Minor. According to legend, it was founded by the Amazons, but historically its creation is associated with Ionian Greeks in the 10th century BC. The city quickly became an important trade and religious center due to its advantageous position at the mouth of the Cayster River (now Küçük Menderes) and proximity to the Aegean Sea.
Ephesus reached its peak of power during the Roman era (1st-2nd centuries AD), when it became the capital of the Roman province of Asia. During this time, magnificent temples, theaters, libraries, agoras (market squares) and luxurious residential complexes were built here. The city was famous for the Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which attracted pilgrims from throughout the Mediterranean.
However, decline began already in the 3rd century AD: Ephesus` harbor was silting up due to river sediments, trade was declining, and frequent Gothic raids and earthquakes accelerated its abandonment. By the 6th century, the bay had completely turned into a swamp, and the city lost its significance. The inhabitants gradually moved to neighboring Ayasuluk (modern Selçuk), and Ephesus was abandoned.
Main Attractions of Ephesus
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus. Built: 6th century BC (rebuilt after a fire in 356 BC). One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the largest temple of antiquity. Today only one column and the foundation remain.
Library of Celsus. Built: 114-117 AD. The third largest library of the ancient world (held 12,000 scrolls). The restored facade of the Library is a recognizable symbol of Ephesus.
Grand Theater. Built: 3rd century BC (expanded under the Romans). The theater seated 25,000 spectators and was used for dramas, gladiatorial fights and public meetings. The best preserved ancient theater in Turkey.
Odeon Theater (Bouleuterion). Built: 150 AD. A covered theater for 1,500 people, used for council meetings and concerts. Partially restored seating rows and stage remain.
Terrace Houses. Built: 1st-6th centuries AD. Elite residential complexes for wealthy citizens with mosaics, frescoes and heating systems. Marble floors and plumbing systems have been preserved. Walls are decorated with paintings on mythological subjects.
Lower Agora (Commercial Agora). Built: 1st century BC. The main commercial center of Ephesus measuring 110×110 meters. Featured the Temple of Serapis in its center. The square was used for commercial transactions and public gatherings. Foundations of buildings and part of the colonnades remain.
Upper Agora (State Agora). Built: 1st century BC. The administrative and political center of the city. Located near the Prytaneion and Bouleuterion. Surrounded by temples and public buildings. Important state ceremonies were held here.
Temple of Hadrian. Built: 118-138 AD. Dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, decorated with reliefs. Partially restored.
Curetes Street. The main shopping street with marble pavement, connecting the Library of Celsus and the Agora. Columns, fountains and ruins of shops remain.
Scholastica Baths. Built: 1st century AD. Public Roman baths with underfloor heating system. Partially preserved mosaics and arches.
Why was Ephesus abandoned?
The main reason was ecological catastrophe:
• Silting of the harbor due to river sediments deprived the city of its trade importance
• Malaria from the swampland made life unbearable
• Arab raids and earthquakes completed the decline
By the 15th century, Ephesus had completely turned into ruins, but its discovery by archaeologists in the 19th century restored its fame. Today it is an open-air museum included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Ephesus - a city where Greek culture, Roman grandeur and early Christianity intertwined. Its temples, theaters, libraries, agoras and luxurious terrace houses demonstrate all the wealth of ancient civilization. The Lower and Upper Agoras, once the heart of public life, today allow us to imagine the scale of this great city.
