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Ephesus Information, Ephesus History, Ancient Ephesus
The findings obtained in this region where the native
people, namely the Lelegs and the Carians have lived since
the beginning, indicate that the city is dated back to 2000
years B.C. As far as the years of 1000 are concerned, it is
assumed that the Ions came to this region, lead by Androckles. Ephesus was captured by the
Kimmers (Cimmerians)
in the 7th century B.C., 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.Lysimachos, a commander of Alexander's, had the settlement removed from the whereabouts of the Temple of Artemis to the location between the
Mount of
Panayir and the Mount of
Bülbül, and had a wall built around the city. 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 A.D., 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 at 70 kilometers (44 miles) south of Izmir, is a main center of archaeological interest owing to the ancient remains that still exist. When you enter 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, is on its flank. The
Baths of Varius are placed on the east side of Odeion. On
the west of the Agora, the Monument of Memmius built in the
1st century BC., the fountain of Sextilius Pollio built in
the year 93 A.D., and the Temple of Domitian (81-93 A.D) are
placed. 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 A.D).
The
Scholastica Baths, built in the 4th century A.D.,
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 at present with special
permits.At the corner formed by the Curetes street and the Marble Road, the House of Love (Pornaion or Brothel) is placed and the Library of Celsus, restored and reestablished in recent years, stands right in front of this. The library which had been built in the name of proconsul Gaius Celsus completed in the year 135 A.D. by his son Tiberius Giulius Aquila, is entered by way of a stairway, 21 meters (69 feet) in width and having 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 A.D.; it comprises three sections and has been restore
d today. The Corinthian columns
of the Stoa encircling the Trade Agora with the dimensions
110 x 110 meters (361 x 361 feet), are standing erect today.
The Temple of Serapes built in the period of Antony (138-192
A.D.) 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 but it could only be completed during the time of Trajan (98-117 A.D.). 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
11
meters (36 feet) wide and 600 meters (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 A.D.) and towards the Vedius Gymnasium.
The Church of the Virgin Mary built at the beginning of the
4th century A.D. 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.THE MOST CREATIVE AND ECONOMICAL EPHESUS TOUR FOR YOU!
We provide you with the air conditioned vehicle with the driver and the licensed professional English speaking guide. You can draw up the program and determine the sights you wish to visit; our guide and the private vehicle with the driver will be at your disposal.
This kind of Ephesus tour is for those who is short of time or just have special wishes about what to visit around Kusadasi and Ephesus.
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