Ephesus has a rich and fascinating history spanning several eras, from classical antiquity to the Roman era, and today it is one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkey.
The founding of Ephesus is shrouded in legend. The city is believed to have been founded by the Greeks around the 10th century BC in an area already inhabited by indigenous peoples. Some myths say that Ephesus was founded by Ionian colonies from Greece. Initially, the city was located further inland than its current location, but over time it moved towards the coast to better exploit maritime trade.
Over the centuries, Ephesus established itself as one of the major religious centers of the ancient world, dedicated primarily to Artemis, the goddess of hunting and fertility. The city became famous for the Temple of Artemis, built in the 6th century BC, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This magnificent and majestic temple attracted pilgrims and visitors from all over the Mediterranean.
In 550 BC, Ephesus fell under Persian rule. During this period, the city became part of the Persian Empire, but continued to prosper due to its strategic location on the Aegean Sea. The Temple of Artemis was destroyed in a fire in 356 BC by a man named Herostratus, who sought fame for destroying one of the wonders of the world. The destruction of the temple, however, did not mark the end of the cult of Artemis; it was later rebuilt, even larger and more magnificent.
After the end of the Persian occupation, Ephesus came under the control of the Macedonians and then the Seleucids, one of the Hellenistic dynasties that formed after the death of Alexander the Great. During the Hellenistic period, Ephesus experienced a renewed splendor thanks to trade links with other Greek cities and the continued importance of the cult of Artemis.
Roman Period
Ephesus became part of the Roman Empire in 133 BC. and became one of the most important cities in the province of Asia. During the Roman period, Ephesus reached its peak as a commercial, cultural and religious center. The city was embellished with magnificent public buildings, temples, theaters and libraries. One of the most famous examples of this phase is the Library of Celsus, one of the largest libraries of antiquity, which housed thousands of papyrus and manuscripts.
Ephesus also became an important cult center of the Roman imperial cult, where Roman emperors were venerated as deities. The city was a crossroads of cultures and religions, and was also an important center for early Christianity.
Christianity and Saint John
Ephesus has a special importance in the history of Christianity, since according to Christian tradition, Saint John the Evangelist lived in Ephesus towards the end of his life and wrote his Gospel. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is believed to have lived in Ephesus, in a house that has been identified by Christians as the House of the Virgin Mary, located on the hills surrounding the city.
In the 4th century, during the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, Ephesus became an important Christian center and an important bishopric. However, over the centuries, the city suffered numerous earthquakes and floods that caused it to slowly decline.
Decline and Forgetfulness
As the centuries passed, Ephesus declined due to wars, earthquakes and the fouling of the port that made it less accessible by sea. By the 15th century, the city was virtually abandoned. The archaeological site we see today is the result of excavations and restorations that have brought to light much of this large ancient city