Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus lies on the Mediterranean in the present-day country of Turkey.  Built in the 10th century BC, it had been around a long time by the time the Apostle Paul journeyed there. In their long history, the Ephesians were ruled by many groups. They eventually became a part of the early Greek Empire and then the Roman. The city ruins show the influence of both.

Monument of Memmius

Both the Greeks and Romans worshiped many gods, and Ephesus had several temples, monuments, and statues to them, but it is most know for the Temple to Artemis, located just outside the city. In fact, this temple is noted as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, about all that's left of it is one pillar.

During early times, Ephesus was actually an important port city. Over the years, sediment from the rivers and other forces of nature have changed the coastline, and the ruins are now several miles from a port. During

Celsus Library

Paul's time, the city would have been a bustling center of business and culture. The ruins show this in the flat-stone streets, market place, library, theater, baths, latrina (toilets), shops, other businesses, and houses. The ruins are impressive, and the complete city must have been amazing.

Grand Theater

Of all the places I toured in the Mediterranean, I think Ephesus was my favorite. I especially loved the library there. I enjoyed individual sites at other locations, but I enjoyed Ephesus as a complete historic site the most. For one thing, it wasn't crowded in among the modern the way many sites in Athens, Rome, Venice, or some of the other places were. Ephesus seemed special.

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