Aegean Cruise Photos
Ephesus, Turkey
Click on photo for full size
Ephesus, on the south-west coast of modern Turkey, embodied a peculiarly fertile synthesis of architecture and culture. In 356BC the Greeks built the Artemesium (a colossal Ionic temple dedicated to Artemis the fertility goddess) which was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world [much of what remains is now in the British Museum in London]. Ephesus was the fourth largest city in the eastern Roman Empire and it was the leading seaport of the region until it was abandoned after the harbor silted up. It was the location of one of the early Christian churches and is said to the where the Virgin Mary spent her last days.
The Odeon (Bouleuterion), a small theater (seating 1500) used for meetings of the Senate and for concerts. It was built in the 2nd century AD.
The 1st century AD Temples of Dea Roma and Divus Julius Caesar (Temenos) were in this area.
The Curetes street looking down towards what used to be the harbor.
The covered Terrace Houses and the Celsus Library are prominent features on the left side of the street.
The excavated Terrace Houses, also called the "houses of the rich".
The oldest date from the 1st century AD and were occupied until the 7th century AD.
The mosaics on the floor and the frescoes on the walls are well preserved.
Me in front of the Celsus Library.
The Great Theater of Ephesus where St. Paul once preached.
It was first constructed in the 3rd century BC, but then during the Roman Period it was enlarged and formed into the style that is seen today.
It has the capacity of about 24,000 seats and has been used in modern times for concerts.