Ephesus: A Journey Back in Time
Discover the ancient ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world
Library of Celsus, EphesusThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
The World Heritage Site of Ephesus consists of 4 main components: Ayasuluk Hill, Selçuk Castle, St. John Basilica and the main archeological site of Ephesus.
Artemision of EphesusThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
Archaeological research at Ephesus began in the mid-19th century with the goal of finding the Artemision (Temple of Artemis).
The Mound of Çukuriçi (Ephesus)The Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
As time passed, archaeologists shifted their focus to the ancient city and the nearby settlement, where they discovered a wealth of historical significance dating back thousands of years.
The Fountain of Traian, EphesusThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
The importance of archaeological research at Ephesus remained constant throughout the years. Unlike other ancient cities, which have undergone modern development and additions, Ephesus remained in ruins.
This allows visitors to explore and appreciate the remains of the city in a way that is not possible at other archaeological sites.
Temple of Hadrian, EphesusThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
Throughout history, the most powerful civilizations (including Alexander the Great and the Roman emperor Augustus) have realized that possessing Ephesus was essential to stabilizing their realms of power in the eastern Aegean and western Anatolia.
The Temple of Artemis (Sardis)The Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
The Artemis of Ephesus (The Ephesus Museum)
Ephesus held great spiritual and religious significance, as it was home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Artemis of Ephesus was a powerful deity worshipped throughout the Greco-Roman world for her magical power.
The Statue of ArtemisThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
Her unusual iconography shows both Anatolian and Greek elements.
Basilica of St. John, EphesusThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
For early Christianity, Ephesus was one of the masse. Fundamental to this were the tombs of saints - above all John and the Seven Sleepers - over which magnificent churches were built.
EphesusThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
The Council of Ephesus, held in 431 AD, was a landmark event in the history of Christianity, affirming the unity of Jesus' person and nature and elevating Mary's status as the Theotokos, the mother of God.
The council also had important political implications, establishing the authority of the pope and the Roman church over the other eastern patriarchates.
Philosophers, EphesusThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
Ephesus was also a centre for medicine and philosophy
Ephesus was a center of learning and culture, and it was home to many renowned physicians and philosophers. Rufus and Soranos, pioneers of gynaecology, had their practice in Ephesus.
The pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus, who criticized the shallowness of human perception, was also born in Ephesus. His aphorisms continue to be studied and discussed today.
Odeon, EphesusThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
The ancient geography of the lower Kaystros Valley was once ideal for the development of a major city with access to the river estuary.
However, the natural accumulation of sediment eventually silted up the harbor, cutting Ephesus off from essential resources and leading to its decline.
The Harbour of EphesusThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
Excessive sedimentation caused the coastline to gradually shift westward, eventually rendering the port of Ephesus unusable and leading to its abandonment.
Click here to explore Hattusha, the capital of the Hittite Empire.
The Excavation Directorate of Ephesus
