Ephesus from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Ephesus.

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The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the most popular attractions in Turkey; in terms of the number of guests it is surpassed only by Istanbul's Sultanahmet. Ephesus is a museum city located next to Selcuk, once a tiny farming village and now a major tourist destination. The archaeological complex attracts travelers with its antiquity and very good preservation. True, there are almost always a lot of tourists here, but the place is definitely worth a visit.

The museum's territory is not very large; a visit usually takes two to three hours. But be sure to take water with you, since drinking water taps are located at the entrances, and you can only buy drinks outside the complex.

You can enter the museum through two entrances: upper and lower, and there are ticket offices next to each of them. It is better to choose the road that goes from top to bottom.

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How to get to Ephesus

Tourists coming to Ephesus usually stay in Selcuk, which is most easily accessible from Izmir. You can take a bus from the bus station; the transport is not very comfortable and crowded, but is usually air-conditioned. Travel time is 40 minutes, the ticket costs 9 TRY, you buy it from the driver. The main bus carrier on this route is Metro, the schedule can be found at the office. website (in English).

There are also trains to Selcuk from Izmir Basmane station. They charge 4.75 TRY for a ticket, but you will have to spend 1.5 hours on the road. More detailed information is provided at the office. Turkish Railways website (in English).

The train makes a stop at Izmir airport, so if you wish, you can immediately go towards Ephesus without stopping at the resort.

Another way is by rented car or taxi. The distance from Izmir to Selcuk is a little less than 80 km, the roads are good, there is a toll section costing 2.5 TRY. A taxi ride will cost about 250 TRY. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

From Selcuk to Ephesus

Most travelers walk to the museum, which is only 3 km away, but you can take a taxi. It will cost about 15 TRY, the car will drive right to the top entrance. For those who travel by car, it will be more convenient to stop near the lower gate, there is a large parking lot there. Tourist buses arrive there too.

Search for air tickets to Izmir (closest airport to Ephesus)

Transport

Since Ephesus is an archaeological museum, you can only move around it on foot. The territory is small, but in some places difficult to navigate, so it is important to take care of comfortable shoes. But there are taxis actively driving around the complex: they offer a ride to the upper entrance, return back “to the city” or show you other attractions. They work according to the counter, but it is important to ensure that it is reset to zero. They charge about 2 TRY per kilometer plus 4-5 TRY for landing.

Another popular type of transport in Selcuk is dolmushi - something like our minibuses that run between cities, but stop where the passenger needs. The journey costs 3-5 TRY.

Some tourists rent bicycles to get around the city and get to Ephesus (bikes are not allowed into the museum grounds). Renting costs 18-20 TRY per day, it is better to take a mountain model, since the area around is very mountainous.

Communications and Wi-Fi

Turkey's three leading mobile operators are Turkcell, Avia and Vodafone. Travelers usually choose the first one as it has the widest coverage area. Although the other two also work well. SIM cards are sold with certain service packages, which already include calls, SMS, and mobile Internet. The average package price is 25-50 TRY.

Many tourists have heard that when traveling to Turkey, your phone needs to be registered. This only applies to those who plan to spend more than 30 days in the country. They must pay a fee of 115 TRY and register.

Wi-Fi is available in many hotels and restaurants, and has occasionally begun to appear in other public places. Sometimes connection requires payment, but most often a password is enough. True, the signal can be extremely unstable. There is no Internet on the territory of the archaeological complex of ancient Ephesus.

Hotels

The small town of Selcuk has over a hundred accommodation options, from cheap guest houses to luxury hotels. The most modest room for two can be rented for even 50 TRY. In mid-price hotels (2-3*), a room will cost 100-200 TRY per day. And truly royal conditions will cost about 400 TRY per night.

Almost always, the owners offer breakfast and excursion programs for an additional fee. Many guest houses and hotels offer bicycle rentals. But there are no classic hostels in the vicinity of Ephesus, as well as well-equipped camping areas.

What to bring from Ephesus

Near both entrances to Ephesus, tourists are greeted by shops that sell all the classic Turkish souvenirs: from glass “eyes” to carpets and copper utensils, as well as colored lamps, ceramics, hookahs, inlaid chess and much more. Oriental sweets, for example, the famous Turkish delight, assortments of herbs and spices, will be a good gift for friends and family.

Those who are looking for something special from Ephesus can pay attention to magnets and other souvenirs depicting the ancient city, books and albums, as well as very impressive jewelry from a local store: all taxis and buses are sure to pass by it.

On the territory of the museum itself there are people offering tourists to buy finds from archaeological excavations second-hand. There is no need to do this, since at best they are scammers selling counterfeits. And in the worst case, that is, when buying real antiquities, you will have problems with the police. By law, it is prohibited to buy and export from the country anything that can be considered a museum value.

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Cuisine and restaurants

In Ephesus itself there are no cafes or hotels where you can have a snack, so it is best to take food with you. In Selcuk (even on the outskirts closest to Ephesus) there are many different establishments: from expensive restaurants to fast food.

The most common and cheapest snack is kebab; it is sold in kebabchi stalls. The so-called “denerji” also offer lamb, but with bread and sometimes a side dish. Both there and there you can have a snack for 3-5 TRY. “Pideji” are small restaurants where they prepare flatbreads with a variety of fillings (usually also meat), for 5-7 TRY. Locals usually eat in simple lokanta restaurants, but tourists can join them too. It's inexpensive and very tasty here. Lunch per person will cost approximately 25-30 TRY. In fine restaurants, prices are much higher - here you will have to pay from 50 TRY for dinner.

The cuisine in these places is heavy, but tasty. Almost all main dishes are prepared from lamb or chicken. It is worth trying manti, dumplings and special cutlets - “kefte”. Fish is very popular, and fresh vegetables, stewed beans or zucchini are usually used as a side dish. Among the sweets, pakhvala and halva are invariably favorites.

The best photos of Ephesus

Entertainment and attractions of Ephesus

Ephesus is the largest archaeological site in the eastern Mediterranean, with finds dating back to the Roman period. Scientists estimate that only 15% of the ancient city has been excavated, giving an idea of ​​its splendor.

The most beautiful buildings include the one built in 117 AD. e. the library of Celsus, which was a kind of monumental tomb for Tiberius Julius Celsus, who served as governor of the province of Asia in the Roman Empire and was buried in a sarcophagus under the basement of the building. The construction of the tomb, the entrance of which was decorated with two statues of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, was a gift to Tiberius from his son Gaius Julius Aquila. At one time, the library housed more than 12,000 handwritten scrolls - some were placed in cabinets and wall niches, while other, more valuable copies were kept behind double walls behind the cabinets to protect them from temperature and humidity changes.

The Library of Celsius was considered the richest in ancient times after the libraries in Alexandria and Pergamon.

The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is represented only by an inconspicuous column discovered during archaeological excavations carried out by the British Museum in 1870. Some fragments of the frieze and other small finds discovered at the site of the temple are now kept in the British Museum in London and Archaeological Museum in Istanbul.

The Odeon was a small indoor theater built by Publius Vedius Antony and his wife around 150 AD. e. A small venue for performances and concerts could accommodate up to 1,500 people. There were 22 steps of stairs leading to the theater, and its upper part was decorated with red granite pillars made in the Corinthian style. There were entrances on both sides of the stage.

Temple of Hadrian, dating from the 2nd century AD. BC, dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, who visited Ephesus in 128. The facade of one of the most beautiful and well-preserved buildings in Ephesus is decorated with 4 Corinthian columns supported by a curved arch, in the center of which is depicted Tyche, the goddess of chance and luck. This temple was depicted on the back of the 20 million Turkish lira banknote from 2001-2005. and the new banknote 2005-2009. The Temple of Domitian was one of the largest temples in the city.

The Temple of Artemis is one of the seven wonders of the world.

With a capacity of up to 44 thousand seats and an open-air location, the Ephesus Theater is the largest of its kind in the ancient world. Its construction dates back to the Hellenistic period during the reign of Lysimachus (3rd century BC). During the Roman period, the theater was used not only for concerts and plays, but also for religious, political and philosophical discussions, as well as bull and gladiator fights.

Other attractions: the Agora portico, the Temple of Hestia, the Gate of Hercules, an ensemble of houses with mosaic floors and wall frescoes (“Houses on the Hillside”), the Prytanaeum office building and a local brothel with a road sign to it.

Neighborhood

Not far from Ephesus are the ruins of the Basilica of St. John, built in the 4th century AD. e. According to legend, at this place there is the grave of the apostle, around which a religious building gradually arose. In the 14th century there was a mosque here, and then an earthquake caused serious damage to the building.

Ephesus is called the city of the “seven sleepers”, they were young Christians who were persecuted because of their faith in God. According to legend, they were walled up in a cave where the men slept for more than two centuries, and when they emerged from captivity, it turned out that Christianity had become the dominant religion. The cave is located a kilometer from the ancient city and is still considered a place of worship for Catholics and Orthodox Christians, but now you cannot enter it, you are only allowed to watch from the side.

About 9 km from Ephesus there are the remains of a house where, according to legend, the Virgin Mary lived after the death of Christ. It was once a two-story stone structure, which even today is considered a typical example of Roman architecture. Visitors can explore the central part and the room to the right. In addition, next to the house there is a spring of the Virgin Mary; people believe that the water in it has healing properties.

Another interesting place located in Selcuk, but directly connected with Ephesus, is the Ephesus Museum. It presents authentic archaeological finds discovered in the city and tombs. The most famous exhibits are the figurine of Eros on a dolphin and the room of Artemis.

4 things to do in Ephesus

1. Visit the ruins of one of the seven wonders of the world - the Temple of Artemis.
2. Admire the majestic Library of Celsus.
3. Sit down on the steps of an ancient Greek theater and watch a performance by modern musicians or actors in an ancient setting.
4. Get acquainted with the Christian shrine - the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which became the first temple in history dedicated to the Mother of God.

Weather

Ephesus is characterized by hot, dry and even muggy days in the summer and cool, very damp winters. During the warm half of the year there is practically no rain; this is the best time to come here for sightseeing. Although in the height of summer it can be too hot at archaeological sites, so it is better to choose the spring or autumn months.

If you want to explore ancient monuments without crowds of tourists, you can come in winter. The temperature at this time is almost never below zero, but it rains periodically.

Address: Türkiye
Based: 10th century BC
Destroyed: 15th century
Main attractions: Temple of Artemis, Library of Celsus, Bolshoi Theatre, Odeon (Maly Theatre), Temple of Hadrian, Kuretov Street
Coordinates: 37°56"24.3"N 27°20"29.8"E

The ancient Greek city of Ephesus - the same one where the temple of Artemis stood, destroyed by Herostratus in 356 BC - is located today on the Aegean coast of Turkey, between the cities of Izmir and Kusadasi.

Gate of Hercules

The ruins of ancient Ephesus are buried under an impenetrable swamp, and the part that has already been excavated is surrounded by a fence and is an open-air museum. Ephesus is one of the few cities where the structure of the ancient Greek settlement is perfectly preserved.

Walking along the ancient streets and viewing architectural monuments, a tourist can get an idea of ​​the former splendor of the Greek polis. The ruins of the Roman agora and the Small Theatre, baths, fountains and rich quarters of mansions impress travelers with their impressive size and artistry.

Kuretov Street

Ephesus - the city of the Amazon

Ephesia The Greek colony of Ephesus was founded in the 11th century BC. Legends connect the appearance of the city with the name of Androcles, the son of the Athenian ruler Codras. In those days, the Greeks, who were building a new polis, turned for advice to the Delphic Oracle, which indicated the location of the founding of the future colony. The oracle told Androcles that the city should be founded in those lands where three “signs” come together - fire, fish and boar. Traveling along the coast of the Aegean Sea, Androcles found such a place: on the shore of the bay, fishermen were frying fish, and sparks flying from the fire set fire to a tree, from which a disturbed boar ran out. Soon Androcles met the Amazon warriors, with one of whom, Ephesia, he fell in love and named the city in her honor - Ephesus.

Library of Celsus

The Rise and Fall of Ephesus

Ephesus developed rapidly thanks to trade, but it reached its greatest prosperity under the Lydian king Croesus in 560 - 546 BC. e. Interestingly, when the Lydians of Croesus invaded the city, the local residents did not have any defensive structures. They only connected the gates of Ephesus to the Temple of Artemis with a rope - this way, they believed, it would be easier for the goddess to protect them! Touched by such naivety, Croesus stopped the siege and even donated funds to the temple treasury. Later, Ephesus flourished under the rule of the Persians, it was part of the Roman Republic, Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, and in the 15th century AD. fell into disrepair and was finally abandoned.

Bolshoi Theater from a bird's eye view

Ephesus - the center of early Christianity

In the 50s AD. Ephesus became one of the most important centers for the spread of Christianity. The Apostle Paul and John the Theologian preached here. According to legend, the Virgin Mary, the mother of I. Christ, spent the rest of her earthly life in this city. In Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary has been preserved - a small building with a basement where the Blessed Virgin lived out her last days.

In 1950, the building was reconstructed and rebuilt into a chapel. Although Jerusalem is traditionally considered the site of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and the Vatican has not officially recognized the shrine as the House of St. Mary, it was visited by popes Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI. On August 15, the Day of the Ascension of Our Lady, especially many pilgrims, often of different religions, flock to the chapel.

Temple of Hadrian

A little higher up the mountain, above the main entrance to the Ephesus Archaeological Park, there are the catacombs and the “Seven Sleepers” grotto, where, according to legend, Christian martyrs were walled up alive, falling into a miraculous sleep for almost 200 years.

Sights of Ephesus

Many monuments have been excavated in Ephesus, and most of them date back to the Roman era. The upper part of Ephesus begins with the well-preserved Baths of Varius, to which ceramic pipes are connected. At the foot of the baths there was a Caldarium - a room where hot water flowed. Nearby is the Agora - the main square of Ephesus, where in past centuries brisk trade was in full swing, celebrations were held on occasions of religious and secular holidays.

Fountain of Troyan

To the north of the Agora are the ruins of a basilica from the dynasty of Emperor Augustus, and behind the basilica is the Small Odeon Theater (150 BC), from the upper rows of which there are amazing views of the baths of Varius and Prytanium - the meeting place of the municipality of Ephesus. Near Prytanium, in the Temple of Vesta (III century BC), a hearth for the sacred fire was discovered. Along the slope from the Gate of Hercules to the Agora stretches the Avenue of Curetes - the longest and most majestic street in all of Ephesus, decorated with columns, galleries, sculptures, fountains, and mosaics.

Odeon (Maly Theater)

Of particular interest to tourists are such monuments as the Temple of Hadrian (118-138 AD), the Bolshoi Theater (III-II centuries BC), the Library of Celsius (110-135 AD). ) and the Brothel connected to it by an underground passage - thus, the men of Ephesus could deceive their wives, saying that they were going to the library to read tomes. The Bolshoi Theater, which served as the arena for gladiator battles in the Roman era, still amazes the imagination. Its vaults can accommodate up to 25 thousand spectators, and thanks to the excellent acoustics, the speaker performing on stage can be clearly heard not only on the lower and upper tiers, but also outside the hall.

Ruins of the Temple of Artemis

The ancient city of Ephesus (Turkey) is located in the western part of the Asia Minor peninsula, also known by its Greek name Antalya. By modern standards it is small - its population barely reaches 225 thousand people. However, thanks to its history and the monuments preserved in it from past centuries, it is one of the most visited cities in the world by tourists.

City of the Fertility Goddess

In ancient times, it was founded by the Greeks in the 11th century BC. e., the city was famous for the cult of the local who flourished here, who eventually incarnated herself as the goddess of fertility Artemis. This generous and hospitable celestial woman in the 6th century BC. e. residents of the city built a temple, recognized as one of

The city of Ephesus reached unprecedented prosperity in the 6th century BC. e., when it came under the rule of the Lydian king Croesus, who captured it, whose name in modern language has become synonymous with wealth. This ruler, immersed in luxury, spared no expense and decorated his temples with new sculptures, and acted as a patron of science and art. Under him, the city was glorified by many outstanding personalities, such as the ancient philosopher Heraclitus and the ancient poet Kallin.

City life in the first centuries AD

However, the peak of the city’s development occurred in the 1st-2nd centuries AD. e. During this period, it was part of the Roman Empire, and a lot of money was spent on its improvement, thanks to which aqueducts, the library of Celsus, thermal baths - ancient baths were built, and also rebuilt. One of the many city attractions was its main street, which went down to the port and was decorated columns and porticoes. It was named after the Roman Emperor Arcadius.

The city of Ephesus is mentioned several times in the New Testament, in particular in the books "The Acts of the Apostles" and "The Revelations of John the Evangelist", also known as the "Apocalypse". The first followers of Christ began to appear in it during the period of the Savior’s earthly ministry, and in 52-54 the Apostle Paul lived and preached the word of God in the city. Researchers also have reason to believe that the man who died and was buried in Ephesus wrote his Gospel here. Sacred Tradition connects this city with the last years of the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary - the Mother of Jesus Christ.

The sea that left the city

At the founding of Ephesus, the city of Artemis, it was founded on the shores of the Aegean Sea and was the largest port center of antiquity. But then the unexpected happened - either the goddess quarreled with the supreme ruler Zeus, and he poured out his anger on the city, or the reasons were of a natural order, but only in the 6th century AD. e. the harbor suddenly became shallow and overgrown with silt.

Residents had to move their homes to a new location, located near the current Turkish city of Selcuk, starting construction on Ayasoluk Hill. But the sea still continued to recede, depriving this ancient city of most of its income. Ephesus gradually fell into decay. Landslides and earthquakes completed the job, covering its ruins with sand and reliably preserving it for future archaeologists.

Forgotten ancient monument

The job was completed by the Arabs, who in the 7th century increased their raids and finally destroyed what the hand of the blind elements had not yet reached. Seven centuries later, the Ottoman Empire captured a large part of Asia Minor, including the territory where the city of Ayasoluk, neighboring Ephesus, was located.

From that time on, it began to develop, but within the framework of the Islamic tradition. Mosques, caravanserais and Turkish baths appeared on its streets. Another hundred years later the city was renamed, and it received its current name Selchuk, and the city of Ephesus was completely abandoned and fell asleep for several centuries under a layer of sand blown here by the hot wind.

Excavations of an enthusiastic archaeologist

The history of archaeological excavations on the territory of the ancient city dates back to 1863. Their initiator was the British engineer and architect John Turtle Wood, who designed railway station buildings in Turkey. Having set out to find the Ephesus mentioned in the New Testament, he received permission from the local authorities to carry out the work.

The task was not an easy one, because the only information he had was information about where the city of Ephesus was located, but he did not have any specific information about its layout and buildings.

A city that has risen from oblivion

Three years later, the first reports of John Wood's discoveries spread around the world, and from that time on, the city of Ephesus, where outstanding monuments of Hellenic culture were created in previous centuries, attracted everyone's attention.

To this day, the city has preserved many unique monuments dating back to the Roman period of its history. Even though much remains to be unearthed, what appears today is striking in its magnificence and provides an opportunity to imagine the grandeur and splendor of this city in its heyday.

The theater and the Marble Street leading to it

One of the main attractions of Ephesus is the ruins of its theater, built in the Hellenic period, but which underwent significant reconstruction during the reign of the Roman emperors Domitian and his successor Trajan. This truly grandiose structure could accommodate twenty-five thousand spectators, and in a later period it was part of the city wall.

Anyone who entered the City of Ephesus by sea could proceed from the port to the theater along a four-hundred-meter street lined with marble slabs. The trading shops that stood on its sides alternated with statues of ancient gods and ancient heroes, striking the eyes of visitors with their perfection. By the way, the residents of the city were not only aesthetes, but also quite practical people - during excavations under the street they discovered a fairly developed sewage system.

Library - a gift from the Roman Emperor

Among other cultural centers of the ancient world, the city of Ephesus was also known for its library, which received the name of Celsus Polemean, the father of the Roman emperor Titus Julius, who built it in memory of him and installed his sarcophagus in one of the halls. It should be noted that the burial of the dead in public buildings was an extremely rare occurrence in the Roman Empire, and was allowed only in cases of special merit of the deceased.

The fragments of the building that have survived to this day are part of the facade, richly decorated with allegorical figures placed in niches. At one time, the collection of the Celsus library included twelve thousand scrolls, stored not only in cabinets and shelves, but also right on the floor of its vast halls.

Temple guarded by Medusa the Gorgon

In addition to the Temple of Artemis, which was the hallmark of the city in ancient times, many more religious buildings were built in Ephesus. One of them is the Sanctuary of Hadrian, the ruins of which can be seen when turning off Marble Street. Its construction dates back to 138 AD. e. Only a few surviving fragments remain of the former splendor of this pagan temple.

Among them are four Corinthian columns supporting a triangular pediment with a semicircular arch in the middle. Inside the temple you can see a bas-relief of the Gorgon Medusa guarding the temple, and on the opposite wall there are images of various ancient gods, one way or another connected with the founding of the city. Previously, there were also statues of very real rulers of the world - the Roman emperors Maximian, Diocletian and Gallery, but today they have become exhibits of the city museum.

The area of ​​the richest residents of the city of Ephesus

The history of the city during the period of Roman rule was immortalized in a sculptural complex built near the entrance to the Temple of Hadrian, surrounding the Fountain of Trojan. In the center of the composition stood a marble statue of this emperor, from which a stream of water rose to the sky. Around her, in respectful poses, were statues of the immortal inhabitants of Olympus. Today these sculptures also decorate museum halls.

Opposite the Temple of Hadrian there were houses in which a select part of Ephesian society lived. In modern terms, it was an elite quarter. Situated on a hillside, the buildings were designed in such a way that the roof of each served as an open terrace for the neighboring one located a level below. The perfectly preserved mosaic that lined the sidewalk in front of the houses gives an idea of ​​the luxury in which their inhabitants lived.

The buildings themselves were richly decorated with frescoes and various sculptural images, some of which have survived to this day. Their subjects included, in addition to the traditional ancient deities in such cases, also images of outstanding people of the past. For example, one of them depicts the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates.

Christian shrines of the city

In this city, monuments of ancient paganism and the Christian culture that replaced it miraculously coexist side by side, one of which is Ioanna. In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian I ordered its construction on the spot where the holy apostle, the author of the Apocalypse, as well as one of the Gospels, was supposedly buried.

But the main Christian shrine of Ephesus, undoubtedly, is the house in which, according to legend, the Mother of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, spent her last years. As the legend says, already on the Cross the Savior entrusted the care of Her to his beloved disciple, the Apostle John, and he, sacredly keeping the Teacher’s order, transported her to his home in Ephesus.

There is also a very beautiful legend associated with one of the caves located on the slope of a nearby mountain. According to popular belief, during the days of persecution of Christianity, seven young men who professed the true faith were saved in it. To protect them from imminent death, the Lord sent them into a deep sleep, in which they spent two centuries. Young Christians awakened and were already in complete safety - their faith had by that time become the state religion.

Legend about the founding of the city

During excavations in recent years, settlements of the Early Bronze Age were found near Ayazuluk Hill. In 1954, not far from the ruins of the Basilica of St. John, a cemetery from the Mycenaean era (1500-1400 BC) was found. Among the finds were ceramics.

Judging by Hittite sources, the city was called Apasha (Apasa), from where the later "Ephesus" comes, and was briefly the capital of the confederation or kingdom of Arzawa, hostile to the Hittites and allied to the Achaeans.

During the Post-Hittite Bronze Age, Ephesus was the capital of a small Carian state, then settled by Ionian Greeks from Athens.

Hellenic period

In the 10th century BC. e. A Greek colony was founded on Ayazuluk Hill, three kilometers from the center of ancient Ephesus, as confirmed by excavations in the 1990s at Selcuk Castle. Around 650 BC. e. Ephesus was attacked and destroyed by the Cimmerians. The Temple of Artemis was also destroyed. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum contains several Cimmerian finds.

After the expulsion of the Cimmerians, tyranny established in the city. The following tyrants from the Basilid family (sometimes called kings) are known:

• Melas I - married to King Lydia's sister Gyges
• Miletus - married to the king's sister Lydia Sadiatta
• Pythagoras - briefly seized power around 600 BC. e. and apparently did not belong to the Basilid family
• Melas II - married to King Lydia's daughter Aliatta III
• Pindar - son of Melas II, ruled until the conquest of the city by the Lydian king Croesus (c. 560 BC)
• Melas III - son of Pindar, protege of the Lydian king Croesus, reigned until 555 BC. e.
• Aristarchus - reigned from 555 BC. e.
• Athenagoras - ruled as a vassal of the Persians
• Comas - ruled as a vassal of the Persians
• Melancom - ruled as a vassal of the Persians, con. V century BC e.

Periodically, during uprisings, the city tried to free itself from tyranny and power passed to a council called Curet. The city flourished, and the work of such notable people as Callinus (elegiac poet), Hipponax (satirist), Heraclitus (philosopher), Parrhasius (painter), Zenodotus (philologist and poet), physicists Soranus of Ephesus and Rufus dates back to this time.

In 394 BC. e. The Ephesians took part in the campaign of Conon, who overthrew the hegemony of Sparta. According to the Antalcidian world in 387 BC. e. Ephesus again recognized the power of Persia. The city then fell under the rule of the tyrant Sirfax.

The revolt in Ephesus, which began after the treacherous murder of Agathocles, son of Lysimachus, gave Seleucus I Nicator, another general of Alexander the Great and founder of the Seleucid dynasty, the chance to eliminate his rival and subjugate Asia Minor. Lysimachus died at the Battle of Kouroupedion in 281 BC. e., after which the city became part of the Seleucid state and again began to be called Ephesus. However, already in 263 BC. e. Ephesus was captured by Pharaoh Ptolemy III and until 197 BC. e. was under Egyptian rule.

Christianity in Ephesus

Since the 50s AD. e. Ephesus is an important center of early Christianity. In 52-54. The Apostle Paul lived here, engaged in missionary work. The Apostle John also lived here, and perhaps it was here that he wrote his Gospel. He is buried in the church named after him [ source?] . Ephesus was also one of the seven cities mentioned in the Revelation of John the Theologian (2:1). The Apostle John could not be buried in Ephesus, since he spent the last days of his life in exile on the island of Patmos, where, according to legend, he was buried alive, and when the grave was dug up a few days later, his body was not found.

According to some medieval legends, the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, lived her last years in this city. The world's first church, consecrated in the name of the Mother of God, was built here. The stories about the seven sleeping youths and the life of Lazarus of Galicia are associated with this area.

A council was convened at Ephesus in 431 to decide whether Jesus was only divine or also human. “On this issue the church split: roughly speaking, the bishops east of Suez supported Nestorius, and the bishops west of Suez supported St. Cyril... The Western bishops appeared first, locked the doors for latecomers and hastily made a decision in favor of St. Kirill, who presided over the meetings of the council. "Third Ecumenical Council

House of the Virgin Mary

During His crucifixion, Jesus Christ commanded His Mother to take care of John as her own son, and John to take care of Mary as her own mother. Since the apostles divided the territories among themselves for the spread of Christianity, and the territory of Asia Minor went to John, he settled the Virgin Mary in Ephesus, where She lived the last years of her life.

Currently, in this area (7 km from the city) there is a small church, which is a place of pilgrimage for Christians. Muslims in these places also treat it with deep respect as a shrine. A spring has also been preserved, the water from which is healing. Near it there is a wish wall, where everyone can make a wish by attaching a knot of any material to specially installed bars.

Population

5,000 people ± 200 people.

Notable residents and natives:

• Kallin (elegiac poet)
• Hipponax (satirist)
• Heraclitus (philosopher)
• Parrhasius (artist)
• Zenodotus (philologist and poet)

Attractions

There are many archaeological sites preserved in Ephesus. The city is especially rich in monuments from the Roman era; among the cities of the eastern Mediterranean there are the most of them. Not everything has been excavated yet, but what can be seen gives some idea of ​​the former splendor of the city.

Celsus Library

Celsus Library

Odeon

The semicircular structure, also known as the Small Theater, stands on the hillside, north of the Agora. Judging by the inscription, it was built in 150 AD. e. Publius Vedius Antony. The original purpose of the odeon was the bouleuterium - the meeting place of the city Senate. The first indoor building, designed for 1,400 seats, was used alternately: either for meetings of the Senate or for theatrical performances. The architectural design of the odeon is similar to classical models:

• the auditorium with its two-tiered semicircle of rows, divided into four main sectors by staircases;
• the design of the proscenium suggests that the structure was intended for meetings of the Senate rather than for theatrical performances.

Agora

The ruins of the Agora are Romanesque structures from the Roman Empire period, most likely built during the reigns of the emperors Augustus and Claudius. The agora, which was finally built up under Theodosius (IV century), was decorated with a double colonnade of a portico, under which shopping arcades were located. It was a center of trading activity, where merchants from all over the Empire gathered. There was also a slave market and meetings were held on occasions of religious and secular holidays. To the north of the Agora are the ruins of the colonnade of the Basilica, built during the dynasty of the Augustan emperors.

Theater

Theater ruins

In fact, this is, apparently, just the favorite legend (“fable”) of all tour guides. It is unlikely, according to historians, that it was a brothel; most likely, just the house of rich townspeople. And also the fact that in one of its rooms there are portraits of a man and a woman (ostensibly speaking about the occupation in this house), is not necessarily a symbol of a brothel, since in rich houses such an image was always present, namely portraits of the owners. The small rooms referred to in the legends are also not necessarily lovemaking rooms, since they are actually the standard size for such rich houses. Also in this house were found figurines of the god of fertility (with a large reproductive organ) and this, too, according to many guides, is evidence that this building was a brothel. But again, historians say that many matrimonial bedrooms of that period were decorated with such figurines.

Kuretov Street

Gate of Hercules

At a certain time, the prytane chewed opium, and, drunk and dancing, they walked from the prytane to the Temple of Artemis. If at this time the clergyman was noticed by a criminal who was being taken to execution, then he was released.

Temple of Artemis

Ruins of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus

Only one inconspicuous column survived from the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The column was found during archaeological excavations carried out by the British Museum in the 1870s. Minor fragments of the frieze and several other small finds are partly in the British Museum, partly in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum.

Notes

Links

Ancient Greece in topics - Portal:Greece Story Ancient Greeks Geography Rulers Policy

Dear and dear readers! Warm salaam to you!

Today I would like to discuss the sights of Ephesus. Those places are rightfully considered the pearl of the Aegean coast of Turkey.

The ancient port city of Ephesus is one of the world famous ancient cities located in Turkey. Some historians even claim that during its heyday it was the third most important after Athens and Rome.

Since 2015, Ephesus has been protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Now the sea has gone. And the city itself is a large archaeological complex spread over a vast territory where excavations are continuously ongoing.

It leaves an absolutely stunning feeling with its wide avenues and numerous buildings, including temples, an amphitheater, a library, a market square-agora, a gymnasium, a city council and much more.

Well, where would an ancient city be without a brothel? Antiquity, however. Morals are simple and natural.

Local shops near Ephesus are actively selling the corresponding souvenirs. I’m not a fan myself, but tourists love them.

How to get there?

If you decide to visit those regions, the easiest way to do this is with an excursion tour from your place of deployment. Any tour operator will offer you excursion options with transfer. The nearest resort, favored by tourists, is Kusadasi.

The best way to get there on your own is, perhaps, to rent a car. Let's say, upon arrival at the nearest airport, which is located in the city of Izmir (Adnan Menderes Airport). Or again in the city.

All other options are not very convenient and will take up a lot of your precious time and effort. Therefore, we do not dwell on them in detail, it is impractical.

So, you've arrived. What awaits you in Ephesus itself and what else is worth paying attention to in its surroundings?

To begin with, I would like to suggest that you try to purchase a museum card. I already wrote about this, so I won’t repeat it.

1. Library of Celsus (Celsus)

The Library of Celsus is one of the most famous and significant buildings in Ephesus. The image of a huge two-story antique building with arches and columns can be found on many postcards with views of Turkey. And I put it in the header of my blog. A symbol, to be sure.

The ancient Roman library was built in the early 2nd century AD. for the ruler of that time Tiberius Julius Celsius by his son and kept about 14 thousand scrolls. In the second half of the 3rd century, as a result of several earthquakes, the building was almost completely destroyed; only the marble facade, restored after archaeological excavations, remained.

2. Temple of Artemis

The temple of Artemis, the goddess of fertility, hunting, female chastity, patroness of all life on Earth, is listed Seven Wonders of the World , although now, looking at what’s left of it, it’s hard to believe.

In ancient times, it was considered the largest sanctuary of the ancient world: its length was 115 m and width - 55 m. Along the walls on the outside of the temple, the roof was supported by 127 columns 18 m high. The walls and roof of the temple were decorated with marble slabs. And inside it was decorated with sculptures, paintings and columns covered with gold and silver.

Built in the 6th century BC, 3 centuries later the Temple of Artemis was burned by the madman Herostratus, who wanted to “promote himself” in this way.

Restored in its original location at the expense of Alexander the Great, the temple stood a little longer, but in the 3rd century AD. was plundered by the Goths. Centuries later, when Christianity replaced paganism, the sanctuary of the fertility goddess was destroyed. Today we can see only one column and part of the foundation, restored from the rubble.

3. Amphitheater

Located at the end of Marble Avenue, the Bolshoi Amphitheater is the world's largest open-air theater.

The first time I saw him was from the sky. Next door is parachute center and a jump from 4000 meters is an excellent opportunity to explore the surrounding area - the sea and Ephesus.

And the amphitheater, even from such a height, is a very “damp” structure.

It could accommodate up to 25 thousand spectators. Gladiator fights and theatrical performances were held here. The three-story building of the stage with its decorative array of columns, sculptural monuments in niches and relief has not survived to this day; all that remains is to admire the ruins and walk up and down the steps of the three-tiered “auditorium.”

Thinking about the frailty of life and the fact that people can still leave a huge mark behind them.

4. House of the Virgin Mary (House of the Virgin Mary)

At the top of Mount Bulbul there is a small stone house, now converted into a Christian church. According to legend, the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life here and died. The church, or House of the Virgin Mary, is a place of pilgrimage for Christian believers. Muslims also treat it with deep respect as a shrine.

There is a spring preserved near the Church, the water from which is considered healing. If you want to fill it up, don't forget to take empty bottles with you. Near the source there is a wishing wall, on the specially installed gratings of which you can tie a piece of your “petition”. But there is very little space left there; you will have to try hard to “squeeze through.”

The distance from Ephesus to the house of the Virgin Mary is about 6-7 kilometers along the road up. Unless you are a desperate exerciser, it is better to take a taxi...

5. Cave of the “Seven Sleepers”

According to legend, in this cave, located literally next to Ephesus, seven Ephesian youths hid from death.

Not wanting to give up the Christian faith in favor of paganism, they hid in a cave, where they spent all their time in prayer. Emperor Decius, who worshiped the pagan gods, found out where the young men were hiding and ordered the cave to be filled with stones, expecting them to die of hunger and thirst.

However, according to legend, the youths did not die - the Lord brought upon them a miraculous dream that lasted almost two centuries, during which the persecution of Christians ceased. The people, who saw the living young men, rejoiced and decided that the Lord was revealing the secret of the resurrection from the dead through the awakening of the young men from a long sleep.

Those suffering from insomnia turn to the seven youths with a prayer for the sending of sound, healthy sleep.

During excavations in 1927-1928, a church built on the site of a cave and burials dating back to the 5th-6th centuries were discovered. Inscriptions dedicated to the Seven Sleepers were found on the walls of the church and the graves themselves.

Where to stay?

Personally, I prefer to stay in one of the guesthouses in the city closest to Ephesus - Selcuk .

Also, 12 km from Ephesus there is a village Sirince , which means “nice place” in Turkish.

The village is truly lovely: narrow cobblestone streets, white houses with red roofs, friendly, hospitable locals, all surrounded by vineyards, orchards and olive groves.

Sirince, due to its location in close proximity to the ancient city, is popular among tourists, so finding a guesthouse here will not be difficult. Moreover, you will most likely be fed with dishes prepared by the lady of the house herself.

While in this village, do not forget to taste the local wines - cherry, apricot or melon, for example. Fruit wines and olive oil are the “chips” of Sirince. If you haven't tried them, you haven't been here at all.

Where to swim?

If you are staying in Selcuk, then you will have to get to the beaches, and the best way is by car (see point above).

Basically, the closest beach from Selcuk is Pamucak (sandy). The distance from Selcuk is a little less than 10 km.

And the third option - National Park (Milli Park). It is the closest, about 50 kilometers from Selcuk. But, for my taste, it is the most attractive - there are many pebble beaches, located one after another.

Only travel/access to the territory is paid. They charge modestly: 4 liras (80 rubles) for entry of one person, or from one car - 12 liras (240 rubles).

Coniferous forest, many small bays, fresh air. This nature reserve contains rare and endangered species of birds, wild animals and plants.

It is not uncommon to see wild pigs. Well, they are gluttonous, I’ll tell you. They always try to get into your bag with groceries if you go swimming and leave it unattended.

Sea turtles live off the coast, and fur seals live in coastal waters. True, they are spoken of as an endangered species. Personally, I have not seen cats. Maybe you'll get lucky. Well, you can even find turtles in the forest. So watch your tires...

In general, I will say this: Ephesus and its surroundings are a place where everyone who comes to Turkey simply must go at least once.

I went there and continue to go there in all seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn. It's always nice there in any weather...

See you next time in new reviews!

P.S. At the end, according to tradition, a little advice. You should not buy “ancient” coins from local residents... There are a lot of fakes, a whole industry is working on this.