Ephesus It's challenging to write about a location which was as overwhelming for me as Ephesus. How can I possibly describe what it felt like to know I was walking on the same stones where historical figures such Paul the Apostle, or Mary, mother of Jesus,may have walked? It was an unforgettable experience.
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Ephesus is so well preserved that it was easy to imagine it in its glory. The paved streets and columns of ancient buildings remain where they've been for centuries. Although it was once an important port, the water has receded and it now lies inland. It's loss of economic relevance is why it was eventually abandoned, leaving so much intact for us to ponder. |
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"You'll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut!" - Dr. Seuss This veteran of Ephesus had been dubbed 'The Gladiator' by guides. He'd clearly been through (and survived!) a few scuffles. He awaited us at the entrance.
Our group was strategic once again. We arrived early to a (fairly) quiet city. |
A particularly lovely sculpture detail
We were told that this footprint indicated the direction to the local brothel.
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The 'Marble Road' leads down to what would have been the heart of the city. In some places, ruts from wheeled vehicles can still be seen. |
Portico into what was once a legislative meeting place
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Above is the remains of the Temple of Hadrian, one of the best-preserved structures in the city. |
Written remains of an ancient proclamation in Greek
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We learned that in 1960, several hillside mounds were found to be remains of a cluster of ancient homes. Work is still being done but what's been uncovered so far is remarkable. We toured these terraced homes and were able to see the original mosaic floors and painted frescoes on the walls. Most tours don't include this extra treat, but Rick did!
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Apparently privacy wasn't a priority in ancient Ephesus. These outdoor toilets were communal, maybe even a social hub...
One of the Ephesian cats
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Here's a main street leading to the Celsus library. The library was like nothing I'd seen before - two stories tall and still intact after so many years.
Ephesus and its ruins is impressive. Fred and I had free time later to walk through streets and peek into ancient rooms, allowing us to imagine how the city must have appeared in the past. |
Mert explained that the Celsus Library was considered the third richest library in ancient times, with over 12,000 manuscripts and scrolls. Everything was destroyed by fire in the 3rd century. I could only imagine how much knowledge was lost...
"Sometimes you will never know the value of something until it becomes a memory." - Dr. Seuss
This theater could hold 25,000 people! Supposedly, this is where Paul the Apostle spoke to the Ephesians.
Can't pass up this photo op!
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Looking at this stage and considering the people that had stood there through the ages gave me goosebumps.
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'Great Artemis' is younger, only 1900 years old.
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Ephesus Museum We had only a little time remaining but managed to make a quick trip to this museum, which houses recovered Ephesian treasures.
Without knowing the intended meaning of these carvings, I admit that he reminds me of a Keebler elf.
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These statues of Artemis (Goddess of Fertility) were beautiful and fascinating.
She's called 'Beautiful Artemis" and is 2000 years. old.
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We learned that Ephesus was the location of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Sadly it's long gone. These statues of Artemis, however, gave us an idea of how she was depicted as the goddess of fertility. Here's a few more favorite photos from our museum visit. The 'before' photo of the location and condition of the snake sculpture was particularly interesting and helpful in understanding the enormous work involved in preservation. |
"Study history, study history." - Winston Churchill |
