Places to Visit - Ephesus
Monday, 2nd November 2009
Ephesus is an amazingly well preserved classical Roman town, without doubt one of the best in the world. The city was first established as a Port, and became a very wealthy and important part of the Ancient World.
The history of Ephesus can be traced back to 356BC, when the Greeks built a temple dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of Fertility. Over the centuries, the city passed into the hands of Alexander The Great, and then on to the Romans. The city prospered during this period, and grew in prominence.
The great temple of Artemis was regarded as one of the seven wonders of the Ancient world. The Romans renamed the temple “ Diana”.
The temple was sacked and destroyed by the Goths in the third century, and only the foundations remain. Some recovered items are currently on display at the British Museum in London.
The city was abandoned in the 5th century, when the harbour silted up, and was left largely undisturbed for nearly 1,000 years. It was not until the 19th century that archeological excavations began. Many of the artifacts are on display in the nearby Museum of Ephesus in Selcut.
More than two million visitors are drawn here to view the restored Library, the Great Theatre, built to accommodate 24,000 spectators, and the temples and monuments. There are the remains of the Roman shopping centre, and even the brothel and public toilet. The Library is one of the great Roman ruins.
Ephesus is one of those “must see” attractions. It is best to go with a tour company, who will provide an English speaking guide.
