One of the Seven Wonders of the World in Izmir Ephesus Archaeological Site
Ephesus, the capital of Anatolia in antiquity, was a magnificent metropolis. With its unique architectural monuments that have stood for thousands of years, this mega ancient city has been inscribed on the World Heritage List. Its importance is further enhanced by the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, rooted in the Anatolian mother goddess (Kybele) tradition. At the Ephesus Archaeological Site, symbols of urbanism, architecture, and religious history from various civilizations, especially Hellenistic and Roman, can be found.
Both a Political and Commercial Center
From prehistoric times through the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine (Eastern Roman), Beylik, and Ottoman periods, Ephesus was continuously inhabited and remained a political and commercial hub. With a history stretching back to 7000 BC, Ephesus played a major role in science, culture, and art, and was one of the most important metropolises of the ancient world. Serving as the main gateway between East and West (Asia and Europe), it was also a significant port city that never lost its prominence.
Today, the ancient city welcomes an average of 1.5 million visitors annually. Excavations have been ongoing for nearly 125 years, and although the entire site has not yet been uncovered, Ephesus continues to shed new light on Anatolian archaeology.
The Library of Celsus, Ancient Theatre, and More
The site has two gates, known as the “upper” and “lower” gates, about three kilometers apart. The most famous ruin associated with Ephesus is the “Library of Celsus,” with its monumental columns, dating back to the 2nd century AD. After Alexandria and Pergamon, it was one of the most important libraries of the ancient world. Other highlights include the Gate of Hadrian and the Temple of Hadrian on Curetes Street, the Artemision (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the grand theatre with a seating capacity of about 25,000, the stadium, trade and state agoras, the Prytaneion (which housed the sacred fire of Hestia), the odeon (council and concert hall) with a capacity of about 1,800, and the ancient harbor.
Within the archaeological site, the Terrace Houses have a separate entrance. Also noteworthy is the Church of Mary, where in 431 AD the Ecumenical Council was held, declaring the Virgin Mary as the mother of Jesus.
