the celsus library
model of the Artemission, statue is about 2.5m high...now in ephesus museum
The fountain at the gate of Hercules close to the Domitian Temple, where a statue of the horrible man stood 5 m high - wow
Efeses is over 2000 years old, but it's still stands momentous in a valley just outside Selcuk. Efeses used to be the playground for the rich and educated with the focus being mainly on arts, culture and academia. Some 200 000 people used to live at this once harbour city, which is now deseted and in ruin. The coast has receded and all the poeple have moved to Selcuk. The buildings were once massive and the Celsus library still stands as it did all those years ago - quite an awe-inspiring site. The marble street (slabs of white marble) was 4km in its day and the great theatre used to seat 25 000 people!! It was here that St Paul challanged the followers of Artemis and was subsequently imprissoned on a hill just outside the city. Artemis was the Greek god of nature and the Artemision was a temple built in reverence of her. It was supported by over 200 pillars of which now only 20 or so are left standing. What amazed us was the rich mix of religion and politics in the history of Efeses. Christianity was declared the state religion in 431AD in the beautiful church dedicated to St Mary - now lies in ruin close to the Arcadian way. Efeses is truly awe inspiring and gave us insight into much of what we've read. It's a "have to visit" place!!
The fountain at the gate of Hercules close to the Domitian Temple, where a statue of the horrible man stood 5 m high - wow
Efeses is over 2000 years old, but it's still stands momentous in a valley just outside Selcuk. Efeses used to be the playground for the rich and educated with the focus being mainly on arts, culture and academia. Some 200 000 people used to live at this once harbour city, which is now deseted and in ruin. The coast has receded and all the poeple have moved to Selcuk. The buildings were once massive and the Celsus library still stands as it did all those years ago - quite an awe-inspiring site. The marble street (slabs of white marble) was 4km in its day and the great theatre used to seat 25 000 people!! It was here that St Paul challanged the followers of Artemis and was subsequently imprissoned on a hill just outside the city. Artemis was the Greek god of nature and the Artemision was a temple built in reverence of her. It was supported by over 200 pillars of which now only 20 or so are left standing. What amazed us was the rich mix of religion and politics in the history of Efeses. Christianity was declared the state religion in 431AD in the beautiful church dedicated to St Mary - now lies in ruin close to the Arcadian way. Efeses is truly awe inspiring and gave us insight into much of what we've read. It's a "have to visit" place!!
Yet, it is so difficult to put into words or pictures and these are but a poor reflection of the grandeur of this once bustling city. What a wonderful experience
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