The Cave of the Seven Sleepers (also known as the "Cave of the Seven Youths of Ephesus") is an ancient shrine shrouded in the legend of the miraculous awakening of seven youths centuries after they were walled up in the cave. This site is revered by both Christians and Muslims, and its history dates back to the times of the Roman Empire.
According to tradition, in the 3rd century AD, during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius Trajan (though some sources mention Emperor Decius), seven young men from noble families in Ephesus refused to make sacrifices to pagan gods. Their names were: Maximilian (or Maximus), Jamblichus, Martinian, John, Dionysius, Exacustodian (Constantine), Antoninus.
They were captured, but seeing their youth and noble status, the emperor gave them time to reconsider. However, the youths, wishing to preserve their faith, distributed their wealth to the poor and hid in a cave on Mount Ochlon (near Ephesus, modern-day Turkey). Upon learning of this, Decius ordered the cave entrance to be sealed with stones so that they would perish from hunger and thirst.
The Miraculous Awakening Centuries Later
By the will of God, the youths did not die but fell into a miraculous slumber. According to different versions of the legend, they slept for 180 to 300 years (most often mentioned is 200 years). During the reign of Emperor Theodosius II (5th century), workers removed the debris from the cave, and the youths awoke, unaware that centuries had passed. One of them, Jamblichus, went to the city to buy food and was astonished to see crosses on buildings and people freely practicing Christianity.
When he tried to pay with ancient coins from the time of Decius, he was arrested, as people suspected he had found a hidden treasure. The youth was brought before the bishop, and the whole story was revealed. The youths recounted their time, after which they soon peacefully passed away, confirming the miracle of resurrection in the flesh, which is to occur on the Day of Judgment.
Veneration of the Cave
Emperor Theodosius II ordered the youths to be buried in golden reliquaries, and the cave became a place of pilgrimage. Later, their relics were transferred to Marseilles and then distributed to various churches across Europe.
In Islamic tradition, this story is also known as "The Cave of Ashab al-Kahf" (Companions of the Cave) and is mentioned in the Quran (Surah 18, verses 9-26). Muslims revere this site as proof of Allah’s power to resurrect the dead.
Where Is the Cave Located and What Can Be Seen There Today?
The Cave of the Seven Sleepers is located 6 km from Ephesus (near Selçuk, Turkey). Today, it is an archaeological and religious complex that includes:
• The cave itself, with niches where, according to tradition, the youths slept.
• Ruins of a 5th–6th century church built over the cave.
• A Muslim cemetery nearby, as the site is also sacred to followers of Islam.
• Inscriptions on the walls in Greek and Arabic.
The cave is open to visitors, attracting pilgrims and tourists eager to connect with this ancient legend. Regardless of religious beliefs, the cave remains an extraordinary place where Christian and Islamic traditions intertwine, and its ancient walls preserve the memory of an event that once shook the world.
