Ephesus
In the ancient
world,
Ephesus was a
center of travel and
commerce. Situated
on the Aegean Sea at
the mouth of the
Cayster River, the
city was one of the
greatest seaports of
the ancient world.
Three major roads
led from the
seaport: one road
went east towards
Babylon via
Laodicea, another to
the north via
Smyrna and a
third south to the
Meander Valley.
Temple of Artemis
Considered one of
the seven wonders of
the ancient world,
Ephesus'
Temple of Artemis
was dedicated to the
goddess of the
hunt. Only the
foundation and one
column remains of
this temple which
once measured 425 ft
long, 220 ft wide
and 60 ft high.
Paul's successful
ministry in this
city was considered
a threat to this
very temple (Acts
19:27).
Library of Celsus
Originally built in
115-25 A.D., this
restored facade is a
highlight of the
ruins today. This
style is believed to
be the standard
architectural form
for Roman
libraries. The
interior measures 70
by 80 feet and held
approximately 15,000
scrolls.
This library was
dedicated to Celsus
the proconsul of
Asia and his
sarcophagus was
located under the
apse.
Terrace Houses
From the time of
Augustus, these
dwellings of wealthy
Ephesians, were
decorated with
beautiful frescoes
and mosaics. The
houses had luxurious
bedrooms, bathrooms,
triclinium, and
kitchens.
Built against the
mountain south of
Ephesus, the
roof of one house
forms the terrace
for the house above
it. These houses
were inhabited until
the 7th c. A.D.
Commercial Agora
This market area is
known as the "Square
Agora" because of
its dimensions 360
ft square. It arose
in the Hellenistic
period and was
surrounded on all
sides by arched
shops about 40 ft
deep. It is located
next to the harbor
and was the city's
main commercial
center. It is quite
possible that Paul
worked here with
Priscilla and Aquila
in their tent-making
business.
Grand Theater
Originally holding
25,000 people, this
theater was built in
the Hellenistic
period and was
renovated by several
Roman emperors.
Designed for
theatrical
performances, later
alterations allowed
gladiatorial
contests to be held
here.
When Paul was
accused of hurting
the Artemis and her
temple, the mob
gathered together in
this theater (Acts
19:23-41).
