To visit the ancient city ruins of Ephesus is to visit one of the world's most important historical sites. Turkey's colorful history means that the country is teeming with historical sites dating from various civilizations. Ephesus is probably the most well-known of them all, attracting thousands of visitors every day. Ephesus is to Turkey what the pyramids are to Egypt or the Colosseum is to Rome, and an estimated 3 million people pass through its gates each year.
Ephesus was also home to the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the world's seven ancient wonders, as a pinnacle point of early Christian heritage. There are also stories about Saints John and Paul, as well as the Virgin Mary, who spent time in the city. It is, indeed, a wonderful open-air museum, and the extensive excavation work done on Ephesus must be admired.
The history of Ephesus is fascinating and varied, but historians date the first construction and signs of habitation to the 10th century BC. However, its most notable era was when it was conquered by Rome in 129 BC. By this time, Ephesus was a bustling seaport and the most important center of excellence for politicians and philosophers.
Celsius's Ancient Library
It housed 12,000 scrolls and was the most extensive Roman-Greek cultural literature collection in the ancient world. It is simple to explain the significance of the great Celsius library's history. It was built in 135 AD by emperor Gaius Julius Aquila to honor his father, who was a general Roman Empire governor for the province of Asia Minor at the time and was aptly named Celsius, hence the library's name.
Ephesus City's Great Theatre Ruins
Continue walking the path until you reach this structure, where gladiators fought and died, and social functions were the highlight of Ephesus culture. According to estimates, it could hold 24,000 Roman Empire citizens, roughly half the capacity of today's modern football stadiums. This appears unbelievable because the Roman Empire did not have modern technology, but when we look down from the top steps, the importance of the theatre becomes more apparent. The Bible also claims that this was the site of the famous Artemis riot in early Christianity.
City Houses on the Roman Terrace
Pay the extra entrance fee to see six houses with magnificently intact ancient mosaics at UNESCO Ephesus. The majority of 1st century Roman houses were built by wealthy citizens. Because of their significant wealth, they could afford luxuries such as underfloor heating, clean water, and lavatories, inventions that were not available to the general public at the time.
Should You Take a Guided Tour of Ephesus?
The ancient city of Ephesus does not allow unqualified guides who spew nonsense into its gates. Licensed tour guides in Turkey have studied and passed exams, so their knowledge is priceless. The information enhances your time and makes it more interesting as you walk around Ephesus city with them, especially if your knowledge of history is limited.
If you don't like guided tours, you can buy audio guides at the Ephesus city entrance or invest in a good book. Do not enter Ephesus blind, with no knowledge of what life was like for Ephesus citizens during Roman rule, the city's most prosperous period.
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