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AGORA
The broad area in front of the Theatre was the Commercial Agora of Ephesus.
Completely surrounded by columns, this Agora contained three entrances, one from
the Celsus Library, one from the front of the Theatre, and one from the Harbour.
In the form of a square 110 metres on a side, the north side of the Agora is
left open, while the remaining three sides are surrounded by a portico which
contained shops. The eastern and southern sides of the Agora were two-storeyed,
the second storey of the eastern side being constructed in the form of an
enclosed Doric stoa.
Originally built in the Hellenistic Period, the Agora was reconstructed in the
3rd century during the reign of Caracalla (211-217 A.D.). At the centre of the
Agora was a sundial and a water-clock. The centre of the square was faced in
marble and contained statues of the philosophers, statesmen, and of scholars.
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AQUEDUCT OF SEXTILIUS POLLIO
This aqueduct, which brought water to Ephesus, was constructed between 7 -15 AD.
on orders by Sextilius Pollio. The structure is 3.5 kilometers in length and is
today located at Derbent Creek, six miles from the Selçuk-Aydýn highway. It
presents a magnificent view as it climbs up the slopes of Derbent along the
creek. This two-storeyed structure at Derbent brought water from Marnas to the
large fountain on the southwest of the State Agora in the present ruins of
Ephesus.
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ARCADIAN STREET
This street extending from the baths to the Theatre is called the Arcadian
Street. Originally built in the late Hellenistic Period, the street was restored
during the reign of the Emperor Arcadius (395-408 AD.), from whom it takes its
present name. There were galleries and shops all along either side of the
street, which is 530 metres long and 11 metres wide. In the centre section is a
structure containing four high columns, an element of decoration which was
constructed in the 6th century AD. Along either side were gates in the form of
monumental arches. Since this street extended to the harbour, it was also
referred to as "Harbour Street".
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ARTEMISSION
To the right of the road leading to Kuþadasý can be seen the ruins of the Temple
of Artemis (Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Artemis, the
virgin goddess of nature, and protectress of women in childbirth is mentioned in
the Iliad with the phrase: Praise be to Artemis! She, who would water her horses
at the reed-filled Meles river, then pass speedily through Smyrna on her golden
chariot towards the vineyards of Coloros."
The mention of Smyrna in this description would suggest that the goddess Artemis
is of Anatolian origin. At another point in his Iliad, Homer gives the
birthplace of Artemis as Ortygie. Ortygie" means quail in ancient Greek, and
might also have been related to the Mount Nightingale (Bülbüldað) which was the
site of the original city of Ephesus. Furthermore, the Ephesians at one point
had a resolution passed in the Roman senate stating that their place of origin
was Ortygie, and Artemis their patron goddess. It is perhaps for this reason
that the Ephesians erected such a magnificent temple to this goddess. Artemis is
not, in fact, a word of Greek origin, but a derivative of "artems", meaning
"untouched", or 'unspoiled' in an ancient local tongue.
In Ephesus, Artemis was considered as one and the same as Cybele, the goddess
from whom the land of Anatolia is said to have been born. She is depicted as a
multi breasted figure with many facets, and bears the model of a temple on her
head, in the form of a crown. This triple-storeyed crown indicates that she is
the protector of cities, while the crescent on her forehead indicates that she
is the moon goddess. The breasts, at the same time, link her to the fertility
cult. Artemis also bore the symbol of the bee, the emblem of Ephesus, which
indicates that she is a unique product of Anatolian mythology. The ruined
Artemision contained a total of 127 columns, the 36 façade columns being
decorated with reliefs. It was 115 metres long, 55 metres wide and 18 metres
high.
The earliest traces of the Artemision building date to the 7th century B.C. The
original temple was destroyed by the Cimmerians, and was re-built during the 6th
century B.C Destroyed once more during the reign of the mad king Herostratos in
the year 356 B.C, Ephesus began to rebuild its cult centre on an even grander
scale after that date. Alexander passed through Ephesus at about that time and
learning that the temple had been destroyed and burnt down on his birthday, he
expressed the Desire to assist with its re-construction.
He wished, the new temple to be dedicated to him. But the Ephesians could not
assent to this and undertook the reconstruction of the temple without his aid.
The new temple of Artemis measured 105 metres by 55 metres, and was 25 metres in
height, covering an area 6000 square metres in all. Alexander extended the
temenos to include an inhabitated area around the temple as part of the sacred
compound. This sacred area was preserved through the rule of several different
kings and governors, was expanded and finally abolished by the emperor Augustus.
In 263 AD., the temple was sacked and destroyed during the invasion of the
Goths.
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BATHS
OF SCHOLASTIKA
The Baths of Scholastikia, which are located behind the Temple of Hadrian, were
entered by means of a stairway alongside the temple. The statue seen in the
large hall on the west belongs to a wealthy Scholastikia, who had the baths
reconstructed in the 4th century AD. The public toilets and brothel located
alongside the structure were first constructed along with the baths in the Ist
century A.D. It is believed that the baths consisted of three storeyed. An
extensive hall which would have been the second storey has been uncovered along
with another room to its north and a tiled roof.
The room in which the statue of Scholastikia was located used as a dressing
room, and it extends to the stuccoed hot room (caldarium) on the north. On the
left is the cold room (frigidarium). The marble floor of the caldarium is built
over brick supports, and under it flowed hot water from the baths' furnaces on
the left. The frigidarium contained a swimming pool, and was located alongside
the dressing room. The baths could house a thousand customers, and contained a
library and entertainment rooms. There is also a doorway opening onto the street
leading to the Theatre on the east slope.
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BATHS
OF VARIUS
To the east of the Basilica is a large structure built of cut blocks of marble
known as the Baths of Varius. Built with its north and east walls carved from
natural outcroppings of rock, the baths were constructed in the 2nd century AD.
and restored on numerous occasions, of which the 40 metres long corridor covered
with mosaics from the 5th century is in evidence. With its frigidarium,
tepidarium and caldarium, and other adjacent sections, the baths covers a fairly
large area. To the south of the baths is a large public toilet from the Roman
Period and other structures which were unearthed during excavations in 1969.
This structure was possibly a gymnasium and Vedia Faedrina, daughter of Vedius
Antonius, one of the wealthy citizens of Ephesus, and the famous sophist P.
Flavius Daminianus each had a room added to the structure. The building uderwent
major alterations during the Byzantine Period.
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BASILICA
The Basilica, which starts from the Gymnasium before the Odeion and extends to
the foundation chambers on the west was originally devoted to commerce, having
been constructed as an exchange. The Basilica was constructed in three sections
during the reign of Augustus over a gallery with a single hall, which was
located during the Hellenistic period. This is a typical Roman basilica, one
unusual feature of which is columns, most of which were restored and installed
here.
Its location next to the State Agora permitted commercial transactions to be
carried out more rapidly. It has been established that to the east of the
Basilica there was a stoa, which underwent major alterations. From here, there
were three entrances to the Basilica of which the largest was in the middle. It
was here that the statues of Augustus and his wife Livia, on display in the
Ephesus Museum, were found. The Basilica is 165 metres long and contains columns
with typical 1st century A.D. bulls' heads and Ionian capitals.
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BROTHEL
A peristyle house behind the Hadrian Temple is known as the brothel. It was
built as part of a group of buildings, including the Baths of Scholastikia and
lavatories, during the time of Trajan (98-117 AD.). Its function was established
with the discovery of an inscription in the lavatories. Entering from the Marble
Road, a street sign in the form of a foot engraved on stone indicates its
existance. A second entrance gives access from the Street of Curettes. The group
of buildings of which it is a part underwent restoration in the 4th century A.D.
It is a two-storeyed building, with a large hall on the ground floor,surmounted
by a number of small rooms on the floor above, although these are now ruined.
There are traces of frescos on the walls. The western hall wasa dining room, and
contains a mosaic depicting the four seasons. This flanks the two main chambers
of the baths. The elliptical pool contains a mosaic in the centre depicting
three women drinking, a servant standing, a mouse nibbling crumbs and a cat. The
statue of priapos, with outsize phallus, now on display in the Ephesus Museum,
was found in a well to one end of the building.
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CELSUS
LIBRARY
One of the finest structures in Ephesus, the Celsus Library has recently been
restored. Raised on a high plinth, the building is approached via a broad flight
of steps.
It was built by the Consul Gaius Julius Aquila in 135 AD. as a heroon in honour
of his father, Celsus Polemaeanus, the governor of Asia Minor. The façade is
highly ornamented on two levels, and there are three main portals. Over the
portals were columns and statues arranged in niches. These statues were female
figures representing the virtues wisdom, fate and intellegence. Niches on the
interior of the building were designeo to hold books. The tomb of Celsus was
placed in a crypt below the central large niche.
According to the inscription on the architrave of the building, its patron,
C.Aquila, died before it was completed, and the construction was carried on by
his heirs. Aquila left 25 thousand dinar for the acquisition of books for the
library.
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CHURCH
OF SAINT JOHN
St. John lived here with the Virgin Mary after being cast out of Jerusalem in
37-42 A.D. according to legend, and it is thought to be here that St.John wrote
his gospel, and was buried in the church bearing his name in accordance with his
dying wishes. A wooden basilica was first constructed on the site, above his
grave, in the 4th century A.D., which was replaced in the 5th century by the
present church, built during the reign of the Byzantine emperor, Justinian
(577-565 A.D.).
During the 7th and 8th centuries, Ephesus was under constant siege by the Arabs,
when the church was surrounded by a wall, which varied in structure over the
years, but possessed 20 towers and three gates. The grand portal is the gate now
used by visitors. The two other gates are to the east and west. The walls were
built with stones taken from the Gymnasium of Ephesus, as if in revenge for the
Christians thrown to the lions in that stadium during the first years of
Christianity. The Church is entered via the main portal dating to the 6th
century, which consists of an arched entrance flanked by two towers, leading to
a small atrium where one may see inscriptions related to the Church, which were
uncovered there during excavations. This atrium, which measures 34x47 m. is on
the western front, and consists of a central court surrounded by an arched
portico with a balustraded gallery to "the exterior. A number of amphora dating
from various periods are to be seen in the centre of the court. A three celled
cistern is buried below the western portal, and covered with a vault. This is
buttressed with flanking walls to compensate for the curve of the site.
Between the atrium and the nave of the church is a long narrow narthex. Massive
lentils of dressed marble frame the three doors leading to the atrium and into
the nave from the narthex. A wall and a number of portals were added between the
atrium and the narthex at a later date, to create an exonarthex. Five cupola
surmount the narthex itself. The main church is cruciform in plan, a classic
plan with three naves, and a superstructure of six, large domes over the main
nave, with vaulted flanking naves. The domes were originally supported by marble
and brickbond piers, still partially in situ, with a row of blue-veined marble
columns lining the Church between the naves. The monograms of Theodora, wife of
Justinian, are engraved on these columns, which enables us to date the
structure. The above mentioned rows of Columns are joined by a series of arches
which in turn support a second row of arches at gallery level. The mausoleum
chamber is situated before the apse in the central nave, and is marked out by
being raised from the rest of the nave, with two steps between.
A chapel, originally part of the treasury in the court, was converted for
devotional use in the 10th century. The frescos of St. John, Christ and other
sacred figures are contained in the apse. The treasury is reached via a gate
immediately before it. This is a centrally-planned chamber, 6.30 m. in diameter,
fronted by an absidal vaulted hall and flanked by a chapel. The main chamber is
sub-divided by a cruciform plan, into a series of cells, each containing vaulted
niches. It is a two-course building surmounted originally by a dome, now in
ruins. The baptistery is reached via a portal letting into the forehall of the
treasury. It is connected to the Church via a long narrow corridor running
parallel to the northern nave. The baptismal pool dates to the 6th century, and
was originally a tomb.
The plan of the Baptistery is somewhat complex. The main chamber is octagonal in
plan, and is framed by a narrow corridor and flanked on two sides by
absidal-planned halls. The main baptistery is paved with marble, with the pool
in the centre. The baptistery predates the Justinian church, being built in the
5th century.
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CHURCH
OF THE VIRGIN MARY
Situated next to the Harbour Corn Exchange, this is the first church to be
dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was also where the Third Ecumenical Council was
held in 431 A.D., and so is considerably important to the development of
Christian dogma.
The building in which it is housed, which is 260 m. in length and 30 m. in
width, was used for scientific training, and for the theological training of the
priests of Ephesus. The plan is that of a triple naved building, and in the 4th
century the church was converted into a basilica with a central nave flanked by
two aisles, when an apse was opened in the eastern I wall, and a Baptisterium
added to the north side of an atrium to the west of the church. The central nave
is the same width as the apse, while the flanking aisles are somewhat smaller.
They are separated from the nave by two rows of columns, with geometric-designed
balustrade panels between. There are mosaics on the floor of the narthex, to the
western tip of the building, decorated with geometrical patterns, while the
Atrium, which has one absidal wall is paved with stones of various kinds. The
Baptisterium is circular in plan, and contains the baptismal pool in the centre.
During the reign of the emperor Justinian (527 -565), further alterations led to
the construction of a centrally-planned chapel surmounted by a single dome,
between the apse and the narthex of the original church.
The cauldron in the centre was brought there from the Harbour Baths. In the 10th
century a further church was added to the eastern front, with a small chapel
being added to the southern tip of the church The council meeting held in this
church in 431 agreed to accept as dogma the notion that Jesus, the son of the
Virgin Mary was also the Son of God.
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EPHESUS MUSEUM
The excavations which have been continueing since the last century at Ephesus,
today are being carried out by Austrian archaeologists. The works unearthed
during these excavations are being displayed at the Ephesus Museum (Pictures).
However the works obtained in excavations prior to World War II, were taken to
the Vienna Museum. The works museum which formerly was situated in a small
building, the new building was further enlarged in 1979 to the present size of
today's Ephesus Museum. The works brought from the ruins of Ephesus, the Temple
of Artemis, the Ayasoluk Hill and the Belevi Mausoleum are being displayed in
this museum. All of these are spread out in seven different halls. The first
hall is for household findings. Here, the frescoes found in the homes of Ephesus
and the mosaics among which the head of Medusa and Dionysos of 5th century take
place, draw attention. The most remarkable one is the fresco of Sokrates, the
famous philosopher, made in 1st century A.D. Again the head of Sokrates made out
of marble in 3rd century A.D. is also being exhibited in this hall. Another
remarkable work in this hall which is on display in a showcase and made in form
of the fountain of a pool is the small Statue of Eros with Dolphin which belongs
to the 2nd century A.D. The waters are being poured out of the eyes of dolphin
into the pool. Statues of Asklepios, the God of Health, of Artemis, small statue
of the Egyptian monk of 6th century B.C. and the Statue of Bes, made out of
baked soil in 2nd century AD., symbolizing fertility are the favourite works of
this hall. The most attractive one among the statues and heads of Eros, taking
place in this hall, is the Roman Copy of Eros' head made by Lysippos in the
Hellenistic period. Next to the child Eros' head, found in Bouleuterion, the
portrait bust of Menander, the comedy writer takes place.
Busts of Emperor Tiberius and the Empress Livia, Statue of Artemis and the
bronze human head of Roman period are some of the other works of this hall. From
this hall, it is proceeded into a hall where findings of a small door and a
fountain take place. The first work on the right hand side is the head of Zeus
of 1st century B.C Next to this, the statue of Aphrodisias of 1st century A.D.
and in the centre the statue of a resting warrior of I st century A.D. take
place. On the left hand side of the same hall, the statue group of Polyphemos
and Odysseus of 1st century A.D. can be seen. These works initially placed on
the frontal of the Temple of Augustus, later were moved to the Fountain of
Pollio. On the ground, the friends of Odysseus killed by the giant and on the
side, Odysseus carrying a stake to take the giant's eye out are seen. Right
across from this group the statues of Trajan Fountain take place. Here statues
of young Dionysus of 2nd century A.D., of Satyr in laying position (2nd century
A.D.)and of Dionysus and imperial family by the wall are exhibited. On the other
side of this hall, are the statues of Laecanius Bassus Fountain, also called the
Water Palace. On the wall, the Roman copies of the head of a warrior with helmet
and the head of Lysimachos of 5th century B.C are some of the works which draw
attention.
Ephesus Artemision Church of St.John Isabey Mosque Plan of Ephesus Cave of the
Seven Sleepers State Agora - Aqueduct of Sextilius Pollio Odeion (Bouleuterion)
- Baths of Varius Prytaneion (Municipal Hall) Basilica - Fountain of Laecanius
Bassus Fountain of Pollio Temple of Domitian Memmius Monument Victory Arch with
Reliefs of Hercules Street of the Curretes Fountain of Trajan Temple of Hadrian
Round Tower - Baths of Scholastikia Brothel Terrace Houses Celsus Library Agora
Gate of Mazaeus and Mithridates at the agora Marble way Arcadian Street -
Ephesus Theatre Stadium - Harbour Baths Church of the Virgin Mary Vedius
Gymnasium Harbour Gymnasium and Verulanus Baths House of the Virgin Mary Ephesus
Museum The excavations which have been continueing since the last century at
Ephesus, today are being carried out by Austrian archaeologists. The works
unearthed during these excavations are being displayed at the Ephesus Museum.
However the works obtained in excavations prior to World War II, were taken to
the Vienna Museum. The works museum which formerly was situated in a small
building, the new building was further enlarged in 1979 to the present size of
today's Ephesus Museum. The works brought from the ruins of Ephesus, the Temple
of Artemis, the Ayasoluk Hill and the Belevi Mausoleum are being displayed in
this museum. All of these are spread out in seven different halls. The first
hall is for household findings. Here, the frescoes found in the homes of Ephesus
and the mosaics among which the head of Medusa and Dionysos of 5th century take
place, draw attention. The most remarkable one is the fresco of Sokrates, the
famous philosopher, made in 1st century A.D. Again the head of Sokrates made out
of marble in 3rd century
A.D. is also being exhibited in this hall. Another remarkable work in this hall
which is on display in a showcase and made in form of the fountain of a pool is
the small Statue of Eros with Dolphin which belongs to the 2nd century A.D. The
waters are being poured out of the eyes of dolphin into the pool. Statues of
Asklepios, the God of Health, of Artemis, small statue of the Egyptian monk of
6th century B.C. and the Statue of Bes, made out of baked soil in 2nd century
AD., symbolizing fertility are the favourite works of this hall. The most
attractive one among the statues and heads of Eros, taking place in this hall,
is the Roman Copy of Eros' head made by Lysippos in the Hellenistic period. Next
to the child Eros' head, found in Bouleuterion, the portrait bust of Menander,
the comedy writer takes place. Busts of Emperor Tiberius and the Empress Livia,
Statue of Artemis and the bronze human head of Roman period are some of the
other works of this hall. From this hall, it is proceeded into a hall where
findings of a small door and a fountain take place. The first work on the right
hand side is the head of Zeus of 1st century B.C Next to this, the statue of
Aphrodisias of 1st century A.D. and in the centre the statue of a resting
warrior of I st century A.D. take place. On the left hand side of the same hall,
the statue group of Polyphemos and Odysseus of 1st century A.D. can be seen.
These works initially placed on the frontal of the Temple of Augustus, later
were moved to the Fountain of Pollio. On the ground, the friends of Odysseus
killed by the giant and on the side, Odysseus carrying a stake to take the
giant's eye out are seen. Right across from this group the statues of Trajan
Fountain take place.
Here statues of young Dionysus of 2nd century A.D., of Satyr in laying position
(2nd century A.D.)and of Dionysus and imperial family by the wall are exhibited.
On the other side of this hall, are the statues of Laecanius Bassus Fountain,
also called the Water Palace. On the wall, the Roman copies of the head of a
warrior with helmet and the head of Lysimachos of 5th century B.C are some of
the works which draw attention. From here, it is proceeded to the hall of recent
findings. Crosses, coins and the works of I st century AD. such as glass trays,
theatrical masks, candles found in the Seven Sleepers' Cavern; the bust of
Emperor Marcus Arelius found in homes on the slope are some of the works that
can be seen here. The ivory frieze which is one of the finest works of the
Museum was found in the homes of the slope in 1969. The work which belongs to
2nd century AD. depicts the war, Emperor Trajan fought against barbarians,
Emperor Trajan can be clearly identified in the high relief on the central
panel, From here, it is proceeded to the garden of Museum. In the frontal of a
temple placed in this garden one can see the friezes of the Pollio Fountain
completed and placed thereon, Also pillar heads, and on the west wall, tomb and
vow steles are being exhibited here, The large sarcophagus which takes place in
the garden is brough't here from the Belevi Mausoleum which is at a distance of
11 km. from Selçuk, It is believed that this Mausoleum of 3rd century B.C.,
belongs to Antiochos Theos II, died in 246 B.C. in Ephesus, who is one of the
kings of Seleukos after Alexander the Great. Today at the site of this Mausoleum
which is 23 m. high and has dimensions of 29 .65x29 .65 m. only its pedestal can
be seen
From the garden, it is proceeded to the tomb findings hall. Here, interment
ceremonies and traditions, and also tomb findings are on display. Also,
Mycenaean dishes found in one of the graves which dates back to almost 1400 B.C.
and is located at St. Jean, can be seen here. In the middle of this hall, a
ciazomenae type sarcophagus of 5th century B.C., found in the Trade Agora of
Ephesus and made of baked soil and also the works found in it are being
exhibited. Also, the works found in the Seven Sleepers' Cavern are in this hall.
In addition, the statue of the mother Goddess Cybele which belongs to 6th
century B.C., and the stele of Olympia, the daughter of Diokles of 2nd century
B.C. are other works that attract attention.
In the Artemis hall which is visited next, the statues of Artemis and the works
found in the Temple of Artemis take place. Both statues of Artemis, one called
the Great Artemis and the other called the Beautiful Artemis were found during
the excavations made at Ephesus Prytaneion. The Great Artemis is 2.92 m. tall
and belongs to 2nd century A.D. and has a triple bonnet on her head. The
Beautiful Artemis is 1.74 m. tall and is made about 50 years after the other and
besides her, sacred animals take place. These statues, with their multibreasts,
represent fertility. The golden goddess statue found in the excavations of the
Temple of Artemis which is on display in the showcase belongs to 2nd century
B.C. The ivory, baked soil, bronze and golden works belong to the period between
7th and 5th centuries B.C. and were left at the temple as vow articles. From
here, it is proceeded to a hall where emperor cults and portraits are on
display. The first statue seen in this hall is of 6th century A.D. and belongs
to Consul Stephanos. Other portraits which belong to distinguished inhabitants
of Ephesus belong to 3rd century A.D. 4 pieces of friezes which belong to Temple
of Hadrianus of 3rd century are also being displayed in this hall. In the
centre, a part of the altar of Domitian Temple can be seen. Also Julia Paula's
bust, and the bust of emperors such as Commodus, Trajan, Nero, Germanicus and
Augustus take place here. When we leave this hall after seeing the statues of
Augustus and of his wife Livia we shall have completed our tour through the
Museum.
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EPHESUS THEATRE
This theatre, which had a seating capacity of 25,000 was first constructed
during the Hellenistic period, although the present structure dates from the
1-2nd centuries AD. The Roman Theatre was begun during the reign of Claudius
(34-41 A.D.), and it took 60 years to build. The second and third storeys of the
skene (25x40 m) were constructed during the reigns of the emperors Nero (54-68
A.D.) and Septimus Severus ( 193-211 AD.). Only parts of the skene now date from
the Hellenistic period. The Theatre has three cavea, each 22 rows, to which
access was obtained via flights of steps between the cavea. The skene is 18 m.
in height and the inner façade was ornamented with reliefs, columns, blind
niches, windows and decorated with statues on three levels. The semicircular
orchestra, surrounded by a channel, fronted a second skene supported on columns,
2.70 metres in height, which was approached by flights of steps. This section of
the skene was used during the Roman period.
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FOUNTAIN OF THE LEOCANIUS BASSUS
On the southwest corner of the State Agora we find the remains of a fountain.
According to an inscription which was turned up during the course of excavation,
construction of this fountain was ordered by Gaius Laecanius Bassus in 80 AD.
The facade of this fountain constructed by Bassus, one of the wealthy man of
Ephesus, was richly decorated,and consisted of two storeys which faced the
street. The statues of Tritons and Muses, which were found at the fountain, are
now on display at the Ephesus Museum. Because of the enormous size of the
fountain it has been referred to as the "Water Palace". This fountain is
connected to another fountain which is located just opposite it to the west of
the State Agora, and also at the same time to a storage cistern. The main
section consists of a body in the form of a semicirle and was built in the 2nd
century AD.
The fountain underwent repairs in the reign of Constans and Constantius II
(337-350) when the present wings were added. In inscriptions, this structure is
referred to as the Nymphaion. It is the terminal point of the Aqueduct of
Sextilius Pollio, which was built during the reign of Augustus between 7 -15 AD.
The aqueduct was 3.5 kilometers long, and its remains may still be seen along
the Selçuk-Aydýn highway. There was a cistern in the upper part of the fountain,
and the surroundings of the structure were decorated with statues of the
Emperor.
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FOUNTAIN OF POLLIO
This fountain was built in 93 A.D. by E.Atillius on behalf of E.Sextilius
Pollio. The fountain had a large covered pool which was faced in marble slabs.
This Odysseus and Polyphemus group of statues, recently uncovered at excavations
still going on, display at the Museum.
The fountain has been restored from portions which have been found and raised.
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FOUNTAIN OF TRAJAN
Next to the Hadrian temple, also on the Street of the Curettes stands this
fountain, built in honour of the Emperor T rajan (98-117 AD.). The pool was 20
m. long and 10 m. wide. It has been partially restored. Originally the pool was
flanked by columns and statuary. The statues are now on display in the Ephesus
Museum. The façade overlooking the pool contained a colossal statue of T rajan
in the centre, the feet of which remain in situ. Parts of the torso were also
found during excavation. This is one of he finest monuments in Ephesus.
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GATE OF MOZAEUS AND MITHRIDATES OF THE A
The most magnificent of the three entrances to the Agora was the gate alongside
the Celsus Library which was dedicated to Augustus and his family by slaves,
Mazaeus and Mithridates. The gate was constructed in 40 A.D. The dedicatory
inscription in Latin belonging to the work is visible on one side, and was made
in inlaid letters of bronze. The two prisoners originally were employed by
Augustus and later by his son in law Agrippa. Subsequently they were manumitted
and settled in Ephesus. After making their fortunes they had this gate
constructed and dedicated in honour of their former master. Built in the form of
a ceremonial arch, the gate consists of three sections.
The second magnificent gate of the Agora was this one, located on the west, The
front was richly decorated with Ionian columns, and the gate, which was somewhat
high, was reached by a stairway. An inscription found near the gate reads
"Whoever urinates here will be punished".
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HARBOUR BATHS
Built in the 2nd century A.D., it was repaired during the reign of Constantine
II(337-361 ). Oriented along an north-south axis, it stands between the harbour
and the Gymnasium, and is one of the largest structures in Ephesus, measuring
160x170 m. and 28 m. in height. In the centre of the large hall to the east is
the frigidarium, flanked on both sides by dressing rooms. The frigidarium
contains a pool, 30 m. in length. Marble composite columns are set on piers 11m.
in height. Several statues were found there. The Caldarium, to the west, is a
spacious, high-roofed building. Large numbers of statues were found in the
baths, and their bases remain in situ.
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HARBOUR GYMNASIUM AND VERULANUS BATHS
The Gymnasium was built in the reign of Hadrian, and is entered from the Harbour
Road. It is an elliptical-planned, mosaic-paved open court, above which is the
gate leading to the Atrium. A portal flanked on either side with bull-heads
bearing gems, leads to two pools. The building, which measures 40x20 m. has a
palaestra in the centre, as in other gymnasia of this sort, surrounded by cells
used by the students for various purposes. The palaestra is faced with coloured
marble plaques. An imperial hall, absidal in plan, flanks the northern wall. The
Gymnasium was two-storeyed, and to the east is the Verulanus Stadium, built by
the chief priest of Asia during the reign of Hadrian (117-138 AD.), the largest
of a series of sports facilities lining the length of the Harbour Road. It
measures 200x240 m. and stretches from the Theatre Gymnasium at one end to the
Harbour Gymnasium at the other.
Access to the main road is via a five sectioned portal leading out to a narrow
connecting alley. The Stadium consists of a track surrounded by a marble-paved
triple columned portico, with access to the Gymnasium on its western flank.
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HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY
Some four to six years after the death of Christ, St. John is said to have
accompanied the Virgin Mary to Ephesus, where it is believed they dwelt in a
small house over which now stands the Council Church, or the Church of the
Virgin Mary. The Council Ephesus, dated of 431 record this. Later St. John
brought the Virgin Mother to a house on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain, the
position of which was later forgotten, until research was begun in 1891 to find
traces of it. Katerina Emmerikin discovered this house at Panaya Kapulu, which
fits the descriptions given in the sources. It was officially accepted to be the
house of the Virgin in 1892 with the celebration of high mass there by Timoni,
Archbishop of Ýzmir, and this belief has recently been confirmed by Pope Paul VI
in 1967 and Pope John Paul II in 1979 with the celebration of high mass at
Ephesus. The house is reached by a road leading from the ruins of Ephesus
towards the Bülbül Mountain, and is only a short walk from the road (100 m).
On the site of the House of the Virgin Mary is a cruciform church with a central
dome, which is thought to have been incorporated into the original building in
the 6-7th centuries.
The later structure can easily be identified, as shown in red. Entering the
church via an arched Rortico with flanking niches, one reaches a vaulted
narthex, from which a raised portal leads to the nave and apse. A statue of the
Virgin Mary to be seen here was erected in the last century, and is fronted bya
grey hearth area, known to have been used for burning coal, and traces of coal
and wine were found there during excavations. The small room to the south was a
bed chamber. The absidal niche in the eastern wall of this room is regarded as a
shrine by Moslems, who believe in the saintliness of the Virgin Mary. Arabic
inscriptions around the walls are quotations from the Koran relating to the
Virgin Mary. To the west are a series of fountains springing from below the
floor of the house. The water flowing from these fountains is considered
curative. Visitors are free to drink the waters under the shade of the shrine.
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ISABEY MOSQUE
This mosque, located on the slope containing Ayasoluk Castle and the Church of
St. John, attracts the visitors to the latter structure with its beauty. The
Mosque was built by the architect Aliye son of Þamlý in 1375 on orders by Ýsa
Bey, son of Mehmet, leader of the Aydýnoðullarý. The structure is built on a 51
by 57 metres nearly rectangular plan. The door which faces west is decorated
with artificial stalactites, over which is a dedicatory inscription.
Upon entry there is a courtyard which is surrounded on three sides by porticoes
with a fountain for ablutions in the centre. The Mosque itself is entered from
the courtyard through a triple vaulted doorway. This section possesses two domes
set upon four granite columns. The pulpit is covered with tiles. Three of the
column capitals are done in traditional Turkish style, while a fourth is a Roman
capital.
The western façade was done inspired by Konya Seljuk works. The upper parts of
the windows on the left are decorated with rows of stalactites and inscriptions
of hadith (incidents from the life of the Prophet). The ones on the right are
each decorated in an entirely separate style. This is one of the first examples
of a mosque containing two congregation places, and as such it represents an
important example of the transition from Seljuk to Ottoman art.
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MARBLE WAY
It is situated on a square beyond the Herakles gate, and was built during the
1st century AD., during the reign of Augustus, by the Memmius family. Partical
restoration has been carried out with surviving fragments. According to an
inscription. The monument was erected by Memmius, one of the descendants of the
dictator Sulla. During the 4th century A.D. a large fountain was built onto the
north-west facade.
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MEMMIUS MANUMENT
It is situated on a square beyond the Herakles gate, and was built during the
1st century AD., during the reign of Augustus, by the Memmius family. Partical
restoration has been carried out with surviving fragments. According to an
inscription. The monument was erected by Memmius, one of the descendants of the
dictator Sulla. During the 4th century A.D. a large fountain was built onto the
north-west facade.
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ODEION (BOULEUTERION)
The Odeion, in which State affairs and concerts were held, was ordered to be
construct by Publius Vedius Antoninus and his wife Flavia Papiana, two wealthy
citizens of Ephesus, in the 2nd century AD.
The Odeion seated an audience of 1450 and was enclosed. Since the podium next to
the orchestra and the stage section do not conform to the style of a typical
Roman theatre, the structure was most likely used primarly as a meeting hall for
the Municipal Council. The location of government structures alongside
strengthens this view.
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PRITANEION ( MUNICIPAL HALL)
The Municipal Hall, built together with the Altar of Hestia alongside it, was at
the same time used as the sacred precinct of the City.
There was a sacred flame kept constantly alight over the Altar of Hestia, and
there were statues of Artemis of Ephesus here which were marble copies of the
wooden statues located in the Temple of Artemis. The Prytaneion was primarily a
place where religious ceremonies and rituals were held.
Although the building was first constructed in the 3rd century B.C during the
reign of Lysimachos, the remains we see today are those of the sections which
were reconstructed during the reign of Augustus. The four-cornered pit in which
the sacred fire burned is a relic from the reign of Lysimachos.
The building is constructed in the Doric style and is surrounded by a large
number of late-period structures which were used for municipal services. A great
number of structural elements were removed from this building during the
construction of the Scholastikia Baths.
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ROUND TOWER
This is situated behind the Trajan fountain, at the foot of Panayýr Mountain.
The tower was erected as a monument in 50 A.D. It is square-planned, and set on
a podium was the cylindrical shaft surrounded bya row of arches on two courses,
now in ruins.
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STADIUM
En route to the ruins after the Gymnasium of Vedius, the monumental gate of the
Stadium attracts our attention. The original Stadium was constructed in the
Hellenistic Period, and was restored and expanded during the reign of the
Emperor Nero (54-58 A.D.). The large vaulted gates were later modified and
repaired in the 3rd and 4th centuries.
The Stadium is 230 metres long and 40 metres wide, and its right side rests on
bedrock. On the left, vaulted passageways have been constructed for the rows of
seats. Athletic contests, gladiatorial fights, and chariot races were held in
this Stadium. The stepping stones of the interior have been carried away.
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STATE
AGORA
The square structure built immediately alongside the Basilica is the State Agora
of Ephesus which is reached from the Basilica by four steps. This Agora, which
was built during the Roman Period over the existing 2nd century B.C Agora, was
where all the city's business other than commerce was conducted. Exploratory
excavations made in the northeast corner of the Agora have turned up a great
number of graves from the.7th through 6th centuries B.C and a stone-paved road,
and a archaic sarcophagus of terra cotta was found here. From this it is
understood that in the archaic period this section served as the necropolis of
Ephesus.
Model of the State Agora:
1- Baths of Vedius, 2- Basilica, 3- Odeion, 4- Temple of Divus Julius,
5-Prytaneion, 6- Memmius Monument, 7- Garland frieze, 8-Fountain of Pollio, 9-
Temple of Isis, 10- South hall, 11- Fountain of Laecanius Bassus, 12- Temple of
Domitian, 13- Fountain.
The Agora is 160 metres long and 73 metres wide and appears to have been
constructed during the reigns of Augustus and Claudius, that is, during the 1st
century A.D. In the center of the Agora, a temple in a somewhat different style
was unearthed in 1970. This structure, also from the 1st century A.D. appears to
have been a Temple to Isis. Constructed on a 10 by 6 column plan, only the
foundations of this temple have been located. The superstructure of the temple
was torn down on the orders of the Emperor Theodosius in the 4th century in the
course of alterations which were made in the Agora.
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STREET OF THE CURRETES
This street, which starts at the Celsus Library and extends east to the Magnesia
Gate, is known as the Street of the Curettes, and takes its name from the class
of priests referred to as "curettes" in long lists found at the clerical schovl
of chief priests. These priests guarded the sacred fire of the Goddess Hestia
(Vesta). The street is decorated with fountains, monuments, statues, and
galleries containing mosaics. On one side there are shops behind the columned
porticoes.
The street assumed its final appearance in the 4th and 5th centuries.
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TEMPLE OF DOMITION
The Temple of Domitian (AD. 81-96) was the first structure at Ephesus dedicated
to an emperor. The building is constructed on a terrace set on vaulted
foundations. The temple was constructed by the Ephesians as a token and symbol
of their friendship with Romans. Today little remains of the Temple of Domitian,
which was located in the centre of a broad platform, exists. The work on the
temple began while the emperor was still alive, and the structure was destroyed
at the end of the Christian Period. The huge statue of Domitian found near the
temple is today at the Ýzmir Museum. Approach to the temple was achieved by
means of the monumental stairway still visible today on the north side of the
terrace. The façade of the temple was decorated with eight columns. To the north
was an altar, now on display in the Ephesus Museum, which is decorated with
reliefs portraying various implements of war.
The terrace is 50 by 100 metres in size, and from the north appears to be two
storeys high. The terrace is set on a foundation which rests against the slope.
On the east were shops and small chambers, where a fresco of Demeter was found.
On either side of the U-shaped extension are niches, above which were located
windows which served to light the interior.
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TEMPLE OF HADRIAN
This is on the street of the Curettes, and is one of the better preserved
buildings at Ephesus. According to the inscription over the architrave it was
constructed by P.Quintilius between 118-138 A.D., and dedicated to the emperor
Hadrian. Corinthian columns on the façade support a triangular arched frieze,
highly decorative in character, which contains a relief of Tyche, goddess of
victory. A vaulted roof covers the colonnaded portico. Four statue bases front
the building. Demolished in the 4th century AD. during restoration, the two
friezes flanking the portal were brought from other buildings and mounted there.
They represent scenes from the foundation of Ephesus, and include figures of
deities and Amazons, and the Amazons and Dionysos in ceremonial procession. The
fourth frieze portrays Athena, goddess of the moon, two male figures, one of
which is Apollo, a female figure, Androkles, Herakles, the wife and son of
Theodosius and the goddess Athena.
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TERRACE HOUSES
Houses on the slopes behind Ephesus are to be seen opposite the Temple of
Hadrian. Those on the upper slopes are reached via steps. They are situated on
the slopes of Bülbül Mountain, with the roof of one house forming the terrace of
that above it. They were inhabited by wealthy Ephesians, and are finely
decorated with mosaics and frescos. Built in the period of Augustus, they were
much altered and continued to be inhabited until the 7th century AD., according
to the evidence of excavations. Two of the insulae houses have been totally
restored and are now open to the public.
Peristyle House I: This two-storeyed house covers an area of 900 m2. It is a
12-roomed house entered via a flight of steps leading down to a hall (A1 ), to
the right of which is another flight of stairs, flanked by a facet and basin,
which leads to the other rooms of the house. A2 is reached via a passageway. It
is the courtyard, with four doric columns in the corners and paved in marble.
The remains of a fountain can be seen in the northern corner of the court.
Beyond this are the halls A10-11, which have mosaic floors and frescos
decorating the walls. The house dates from the 1st century AD, but these two
rooms were added in 400 AD. One of these rooms is flanked bya staircase leading
up to the upper floor of the house, and beyond that is another chamber decorated
with frescos and with a mosaic floor (B7).East of the peristyle courtyard is a
hall with walls 4 m. in height. Situated next to the entrance, this room is
decorated with fresco scenes from the plays of Euripides-namely 'Orestes', to
the left and the comedies of Menander to the right, namely 'Sikyonioi'. It is
known as the theatre room because of these frescos. The other walls are
decorated with figures, namely the combat of Acheloos, the river god, with
Herakles to the left. The frescos in this room, which also has a mosaic floor,
must date to the 2nd century AD. The house also possesses a bathroom, to the
south of the entrance hall (A.8), with the kitchen flanking it (A.12). Next to
this are various small chambers opening onto the flanking street, and the
service entrance. Artefacts found during the course of excavation are displayed
in situ.
Peristyle House II: This is beyond the first house. It possesses two peristyles
and is larger than the other houses on the insula. First built in the Ist
century AD., it underwent various restorations up to the 7th century. The main
peristyle (B1 ), which possesses columns dating to the 5th century in the
Corinthian order,flanks to the south, a long gallery covered from end to end in
black and white geometric mosaics. Opposite this is a second gallery containing
mosaics of Triton and Nereide. Triton bears in his left hand, the spear of his
father Poseidon, while holding the reigns of the sea horse bearing Nereide in
his right hand. These figures are placed before the vaulted open niche (B.6).
The latter is paved with black and white marble in a basketwork pattern. Frescos
on the walls include the heads of Dionysus and Ariadne framed by medallions,
surrounded by trees, peacocks, ducks and cockerels. These mosaics are dated to
the 5th century AD., and are in extremely good condition. The vaults are framed
to both sides by a fresco frieze depicting Eros figures bearing a garland. Other
rooms of various sizes to the east of the house are paved with black and white
mosaic patterns and embellished with frescos of birds and floral patterns. The
walls of two other rooms (B9 and 10) are decorated with fresco panels of muses,
dating to the 4th century.
B11-12 is the dining hall. Niches set into the southern wall mark the
wash-basins. They contain frescos which were restored in monochrome at a much
later period. The kitchen is on the western corner of the house, and is
decorated with frescos of fish and birds. The second peristyle (B14) fianks this
hall.
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VEDIUS GYMNASIUM
As one enters the ruins of Ephesus, the first structure one encounters is the
Vedius Gymnasium the remains of those monumental walls attract our attention.
This building was constructed around the middle of the 2nd century A.D. by
Publius Vedius Antoninus, a leading citizen of Ephesus.
According to its inscription, this Gymnasium was dedicated to the city's goddess
Artemis and to the Emperor Antoninus Pius ( 138-161 AD.) jointly by Publius
Vedius Antoninus and his wife Papiana.
The entrance of the Gymnasium, which faces the asphalt road, is on the east.
Passing through this doorway one finds himself in the palaestra (courtyard),
which is surrounded by columns.
After this courtyard comes the hall of emperors, having floors decorated with
mosaics and which was fitted out with statues. It was at the center of the back
wall of this hall that the statue of the emperor was found.
Ephesus Artemision Church of St.John Isabey Mosque Plan of Ephesus Cave of the
Seven Sleepers State Agora - Aqueduct of Sextilius Pollio Odeion (Bouleuterion)
- Baths of Varius Prytaneion (Municipal Hall) Basilica - Fountain of Laecanius
Bassus Fountain of Pollio Temple of Domitian Memmius Monument Victory Arch with
Reliefs of Hercules Street of the Curretes Fountain of Trajan Temple of Hadrian
Round Tower - Baths of Scholastikia Brothel Terrace Houses Celsus Library Agora
Gate of Mazaeus and Mithridates at the agora Marble way Arcadian Street -
Ephesus Theatre Stadium - Harbour Baths Church of the Virgin Mary Vedius
Gymnasium Harbour Gymnasium and Verulanus Baths House of the Virgin Mary Ephesus
Museum As one enters the ruins of Ephesus, the first structure one encounters is
the Vedius Gymnasium the remains of those monumental walls attract our attention.
This building was constructed around the middle of the 2nd century A.D. by
Publius Vedius Antoninus, a leading citizen of Ephesus. According to its
inscription, this Gymnasium was dedicated to the city's goddess Artemis and to
the Emperor Antoninus Pius ( 138-161 AD.) jointly by Publius Vedius Antoninus
and his wife Papiana. The entrance of the Gymnasium, which faces the asphalt
road, is on the east. Passing through this doorway one finds himself in the
palaestra (courtyard), which is surrounded by columns. After this courtyard
comes the hall of emperors, having floors decorated with mosaics and which was
fitted out with statues. It was at the center of the back wall of this hall that
the statue of the emperor was found. Part of this structure was used as a bath,
and in the portion looking out on the street there is a dressing room and around
this a tepidarium, a caldarium, and a frigidarium.
All the statues found here are today in the izmir Archaeological Museum.
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VICTORY ARCH WITH RELIEFS OF HERCULES
This victory arch with reliefs of Hercules is located at the junction of the
Street of the Curettes with secondary streets. The monument was constructed
towards the end of the 4th century, but no other parts of it have been found. If
the structure to be completed; it would appear to resemble the Arch of
Constantine in Rome. The reliefs of Hercules were originally made in the 2nd
century, and were brought here towards the end of the 4th century from another
structure.
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