The Terrace Houses (also known as the "Houses on the Slope" or "Houses of the Wealthy") are located in the ancient city of Ephesus, Turkey. They stand on the slopes of Mount Bülbüldağ, directly opposite the Temple of Hadrian and near the Street of the Curetes—one of the main thoroughfares of the ancient city. These houses formed a residential quarter where the elite of Roman times (1st–7th centuries AD) lived, including high-ranking officials, wealthy merchants, and local aristocrats.
Excavations of the Terrace Houses began in the 1960s under the direction of Austrian archaeologists (the Austrian Archaeological Institute has been researching Ephesus since the late 19th century). However, the most significant discoveries were made in the 1990s–2000s, when archaeologists uncovered exceptionally preserved mosaics, frescoes, and even everyday objects.
To protect these unique finds, a special glass pavilion was constructed over the houses to maintain an optimal microclimate. Today, this is one of the most impressive open-air museums in Turkey.
What Can You See in the Terrace Houses?
Luxurious Mosaics: The floors of many rooms are adorned with exquisite mosaics featuring geometric patterns, mythological scenes, and floral motifs. Notable examples include:
• A mosaic depicting Socrates (in one of the halls).
• A mosaic portrait of a woman, possibly the lady of the house.
• Ornamental designs of fish, dolphins, and flowers, typical of Roman art.
Wall Frescoes: The walls are covered with Pompeian-style paintings (similar to those found in Pompeii and Herculaneum). Among them are:
• Mythological scenes (such as depictions of Dionysus, Apollo, and Aphrodite).
• Imitation marble panels (using the opus sectile technique).
• Vibrant red, blue, and gold backgrounds that remain strikingly vivid.
Architecture and Layout of the Roman Terrace Houses:
The houses were built on a terraced plan, with each home positioned higher than the previous one, following the hill’s slope. Inside, you can see:
• Atriums (central courtyards with pools).
• Peristyles (colonnaded garden courtyards).
• Heating systems (hypocaust – an underfloor heating system using hot air).
• Marble floors and walls, reflecting the owners’ wealth.
Archaeologists have also found pottery, jewelry, coins, and even medical instruments, providing insight into the daily lives of Rome’s elite. They are the best-preserved example of Roman residential architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean. Unlike most ancient ruins, they retain not only walls but also interior decorations. They showcase the evolution of styles from early Roman to Byzantine times. This site is a true time capsule, offering a glimpse into the lives of Rome’s wealthy citizens 2,000 years ago.
