EPHESUS
The city is dated back to 2000 years B.C. In the 1000s
BCE the Ions came to this region. Ephesus was captured by the Kimmers
(Cimmerians) in the 7th century CE., by the Lydians in 560, and later
in 546 B.C. by the Persians; and was rescued from the Persian domination
when Alexander the Great defeated the Persians in 334 B.C. The city was
taken by the Kingdom of Pergamon after 190 B.C., by Rome in 133 B.C.,
and later by Byzantium. Ephesus maintained its importance during the
period of Christianity; the apostle St. Paul arrived there during the
years of 50 CE., and St. John was buried on the hill of Ayasuluk (Selcuk,
near Izmir) at the beginning of the 2nd century. Ephesus lived through
its third glorious period during the reign of Justinian in the middle
of the 6th century A.D. At this time, the Church of St. John was built
by the Byzantine emperor.
The ruins of Ephesus, situated near Selçuk town, 44 miles south
of Izmir, is a main center of archaeological interest because of the
existing ancient remains. Entering through the Magnesia Gate (south gate
or upper gate), you can see the State Agora (or Upper Agora). The Temple
of Isis is situated at the center of the Agora, and Stoa is placed on
the North side of it. The Odeion (Bouletarion or Parliament) with a capacity
of 1,400 persons is placed behind it and the Prytaneion (Town Hall) where
the sacred fire used to burn. The Baths of Varius are on the east side
of Odeion. On the west of the Agora is the Monument of Memmius built
in the 1st century BCE. The fountain of Sextilius Pollio was built in
the year 93 CE, and the Temple of Domitian in 81-93 CE. On the south
of the Agora, the fountain of Laecanius Bassus is situated. The Curetes
street starts downwards from the Temple of Memmius. The Gate of Heracles
(Hercules) is placed on this avenue. After passing through this part,
the fountain of Trajan built in the years 102-114 is seen on the right
hand side and after this, the Temple of Hadrian appears in front of us,
in all its splendid beauty (117-138 CE). The Scholastica Baths, built
in the 4th century CE., are situated behind the Temple of Hadrian. The
houses of the rich people of Ephesus which were in front of it, have
been restored and opened for visits with special permits.
At Curetes street and the Marble Road is the House of Love (Pornaion
or Brothel) and the Library of Celsus, restored and reestablished in
recent years, sits right in front of this. The library built in the name
of proconsul Gaius Celsus was completed in the year 135 CE. by his son
Tiberius Giulius Aquila. This is entered from a stairway of 69 feet in
width and with 9 steps. The southeastern gate of the Trade Agora opens
to the Library of Celsus. Emperor Augustus' slaves, Mazaeus and Mithridates,
liberated by him had this gate built in the year 1st century CE.; it
comprises three sections and has been restored today. The Corinthian
columns of the Stoa encircling the Trade Agora with the dimensions 361
x 361 feet stand erect today. The Temple of Serapes built in the period
of Antony (138-192 CE.) is placed behind the Trade Agora.
One of the magnificent buildings of Ephesus is the Great Theater, largest
in Asia Minor, which had a capacity of more than 24.000 people and is
in a rather well preserved condition. The construction had started during
the Hellenistic period and completed during the time of Trajan (98-117
CE). St. Paul was dragged into this theater to face the crowed because
of his famous letter to Ephesians, but rescued by the security corps
of the city. Festivals are celebrated in this theater today.
All the streets of Ephesus were illuminated at night with oil lamps,
this shows us the richness of the city. The Port Avenue extends in front
of the theater. The avenue is 36 feet wide and 1970 feet long, and it
has been called Arcadian Street because it was renewed during the time
of Arcadius. On the whole north side of the avenue, there are the Harbor
Gymnasium, baths and the Theater Gymnasium. The avenue that passes along
the front of the theater, extends towards the Stadium built during the
Nero period (54-68 CE.) and towards the Vedius Gymnasium. The Church
of the Virgin Mary built at the beginning of the 4th century CE. is situated
behind the Port Gymnasium just before the exit from the lower gate (north
gate). This was also the meeting place of the 3rd Ecumenical Council.
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