Ephesus

If i had to chose the most impressive places to visit in the Eastern Mediterranean, my mind immediately envisioned Ephesus and Venice. Both places, although vastly different, have turned out to be everything i hoped they would be, and have lived up to and exceeded those initial hopes. Today i am taking a relatively short, hours drive from Kusadasi to the historical site of Ephesus.

It is very hot today and i have decided to start my exploration of Ephesus from the secondary entrance at the top of the city. Starting near the Baths of Varius, you will walk mainly downhill through the site, avoiding most steep climbs. For a leisurely stroll through the remains of the city, taking in the atmosphere and sites you should allow at least 2 hours. Do not forget to take plenty of water with you and make sure you visit the facilities before you enter, as there are none within the archeological site.

The Ancient City of Ephesus is an outstanding example of a Roman port city, with sea channel and harbour basin. It is the only roman city not subsequently built upon in modern times.

Strolling through the remains of the city I marvel that only 20 percent of Ephesus has been found so far in over 140 years. According to staff, excavations in Ephesus ancient site, may continue for more than a few hundred years.

I have managed to track down one place in particular of interest. The Temple of Hadrian.

Temple of Hadrian with Medusa efegy

Temple of Hadrian is one of the best preserved and most beautiful structures on Curetes Street. It was built before 138 A.D. Inside the Hadrian Temple above the door, a human figure, representing Medusa stands with ornaments of acanthus leaves. On both sides there are friezes depicting the story of the foundation of Ephesus.

One of the most impressive structures in Ephesus is the Celsus Library. The Library was built in 117 A.D, and was a monumental tomb for Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, the governor of the province of Asia; from his son Galius Julius Aquila. The grave of Celsus was located beneath the ground floor, across the entrance and there was a statue of Athena over it. Athena was the goddess of the wisdom.

Like all the buildings here, photographs do not do it justice, you have to see it.

What really makes this place special is the remains of ordinary everyday places, such as shops, brothel, theaters, public baths, public loos and the terraced houses residents lived in.

The fact that Ephesus played a important role in world history is often overlooked.

Ephesus served as the capital city of Asia Minor, was visited by Alexander the great, Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony and Cleopatra. It became a home to St Paul, St John and Virgin Mary. It was so wealthy that the temple of Artemis - one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world was built here. It had the third biggest library in ancient times, the second biggest gymnasium and the largest theater in Asia Minor. All these and more were built here along with its commercial powerhouse, their thriving Agoras (markets)

I have really enjoyed this visit and would return, if the opportunity presented itself. I am glad i finally visited this amazing place.