Ephesus (Efes) – One of the Most Impressive Cities of the Ancient World

Ephesus (Efes) is considered one of the largest and best-preserved ancient cities around the Mediterranean, apart from Pompeii and some Roman cities in Libya.

After the Sultanahmet district in Istanbul, it is the most visited historical site in Türkiye. For this reason, it can be quite crowded during most of the year, but with proper planning, it is possible to visit during quieter hours.

To fully explore Ephesus, it is necessary to allocate at least three to four hours. During the summer months, the stone structures create intense heat, so visitors are strongly advised to carry water.

History of Ephesus

Foundation of the City and Early Periods

Ephesus became one of the wealthiest cities of the ancient world thanks to its natural harbor located at the end of important trade routes.

At the same time, being the center of the Anatolian mother goddess Cybele and the cult of Artemis increased the city’s importance.

According to legend, Androklos, the son of King Kodros of Athens, learned from an oracle that he should “build a city where the fish and the wild boar point.”

When they arrived in the region, they encountered people cooking fish on the shore. Sparks from the fire ignited the bushes, and a wild boar emerged from them. This event was accepted as the sign for the foundation of Ephesus.

The first settlement was established around 1000 BC on the northern slope of Mount Panayır.

The Lydian and Persian Period

In the 6th century BC, when the Lydian King Croesus arrived in the region, the people of Ephesus attempted to protect themselves by surrounding the Temple of Artemis with ropes for defense purposes.

Croesus must have found this behavior interesting because he did not treat the city harshly and even contributed to the temple. However, he forced the people to move closer to the sea.

In later periods, Ephesus frequently changed hands between Greek and Persian rule.

When Alexander the Great visited the city in 334 BC, the construction of the new version of the Temple of Artemis was still ongoing.

Alexander offered to cover the expenses, but the city administrators politely declined by saying that one god could not build a temple for another god.

Golden Age During the Roman Period

After the death of Alexander the Great, his commander Lysimachus moved the city to its current location and built the first walls.

During the Roman period, Ephesus was declared the capital of the province of Asia and adorned with magnificent structures.

With a population reaching approximately a quarter of a million, the city attracted attention not only for trade but also for its religious freedoms.

As the sacred area of the Temple of Artemis expanded, it became a refuge for criminals.

In addition, Jews, Romans, Egyptians, and Anatolian communities lived together in the city.

Christianity and Ephesus

The Traces of Saint Paul and Saint John

Ephesus is one of the centers of great importance in the history of Christianity.

It is known that Saint John came to the city in the first century.

Saint Paul lived in Ephesus between AD 51-53 and especially tried to spread Christianity among Jewish communities.

However, Paul’s teachings caused major controversy in the city.

Silversmiths who made statues of Artemis started a major uprising, believing that their trade would suffer.

The crowd gathered in the ancient theater shouted “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians” and protested against Paul.

When the events escalated, Paul was forced to leave the city.

Byzantine Period and Decline

During the Byzantine period, Ephesus hosted important church councils.

The Council of Ephesus held in 431 was one of the most important among them.

However, over time, the silting of the harbor, Arab raids, and the end of the Artemis cult caused the city’s decline.

The people gradually moved to the hill where the tomb of Saint John was located, and the foundations of today’s town of Selçuk were formed.

Places to Visit in the Ancient City of Ephesus

Entrance and Visitor Information for Ephesus

It is possible to reach the Ancient City of Ephesus via Kuşadası or Selçuk.

During the summer months, starting from the southern entrance and walking downhill offers a more comfortable route.

Since the ancient city is quite large, comfortable shoes and water are absolutely necessary.

Cave of the Seven Sleepers

The Cave of the Seven Sleepers, one of the sacred places full of legends, holds an important place in Christian history.

According to legend, seven young Christians escaped the persecutions during the reign of the Roman Emperor Decius and took refuge in this cave, where they slept for hundreds of years.

When they awoke, they learned that Christianity had become the official religion.

There are catacombs and church ruins around the cave.

Church of Mary

The Church of Mary was originally a storage structure from the Roman period before it was later converted into a church.

The famous Council of Ephesus held in 431 took place here.

The baptism section can still be seen today.

Arcadiane Road and the Ancient Theater

Arcadiane Road is the magnificent avenue that connected the harbor to the theater in ancient times.

Once lined with shops, this road attracted attention with its nighttime illumination.

The Great Theater located at the end of the road had a capacity of approximately 20,000 people.

Theater performances and public meetings were held here during the Roman period.

It is also believed that the great uprising against Saint Paul took place here.

Marble Street

Marble Street extends from the theater to the center of the city.

The wheel marks on the road are evidence of heavy traffic during the Roman period.

Along the avenue are important structures such as the Agora, the Temple of Serapis, and the ancient brothel.

In particular, the footprint and female figure engraved into the ground are considered an ancient advertisement directing people to the brothel.

Library of Celsus

The Library of Celsus is the most impressive structure that has become the symbol of Ephesus.

It was built between AD 110-135 by Gaius Julius Aquila in honor of his father.

Its magnificent two-story façade is one of the finest examples of ancient architecture.

Approximately 12,000 scrolls were stored inside.

The library suffered severe damage during the Gothic invasions, but today it fascinates visitors with its restored appearance.

Curetes Street

Along Curetes Street are public toilets, the Temple of Hadrian, the Scholastica Baths, and various monumental structures.

The Temple of Hadrian is an elegant structure built in honor of Emperor Hadrian.

The bath complexes were among the important centers of social life during the Roman period.

Terrace Houses

The Terrace Houses are luxurious residences where the wealthiest families of Ephesus lived.

The mosaics, frescoes, and inner courtyards provide important information about daily life during the Roman period.

The decorations here are comparable to the structures in Pompeii.

Especially the depictions of Dionysus and Ariadne are remarkable.

Temple of Domitian and Upper Agora

The Upper Agora, located in the upper part of Ephesus, was one of the political and commercial centers of the city.

The nearby Prytaneion was used as an official reception hall where the sacred fire was protected.

The ruins of the Temple of Domitian and the Odeion structure can also be seen in this area.

The Odeion was used both as a concert hall and a council building in ancient times.

[Image of the Ephesus Terrace Houses and Curetes Street]

Best Time to Visit Ephesus

The ideal time to visit Ephesus is during the spring and autumn months.

Especially:

• April
• May
• September
• October

the weather conditions are more suitable for sightseeing during these months.

During the summer months, temperatures can be extremely high, especially around noon.

Places to Visit Near Ephesus

• House of the Virgin Mary
• Şirince Village
• Temple of Artemis
• Selçuk Castle
• İsa Bey Mosque
• Kuşadası

The Ancient City of Ephesus is one of the most impressive archaeological sites not only in Türkiye but also in the world.

With its thousands of years of history, magnificent structures, ancient theater, Library of Celsus, and religious heritage, it offers visitors a unique experience.

For history, culture, and archaeology enthusiasts, Ephesus is among the places that must be seen.