Ephesus

Most Americans don't realize that the land now known as Turkey contains both much of the heartland of Greco-Roman civilization and many early centers of Christianity. Although no one (except maybe a few tour guides) lives there these days, nevertheless Ephesus was once a large urban center and the capital of the Roman Province of Asia (Minor). St. Paul wrote a letter, now considered part of the biblical canon, to the community at Ephesus, and according to some sources St. John was also connected to the Christians there.

The classical ruins at Ephesus are by far the most extensive and best preserved ones that I have come across thus far in Turkey. They are truly a magnificent sight to see.

ruins


The Odeon


The library of Celsus


The harbor street


Particularly impressive and interesting are the terrace houses - large residences inhabited by rich Ephesians, decorated with beautiful frescoes and mosaics and equipped with kitchens, baths, and latrines. These houses seem to have been abandoned after an earthquake in the seventh century AD and were only rediscovered in the 1960s. Although it costs an extra 15 Turkish Lira to see the terrace houses, they are well worth the price.

Here are some photos of workmen reconstructing the walls and decorations:



Here's a picture of a room with a table (or altar?) in the center:


Here are some pictures of the frescoes: