If you thought the Turkey awesomeness had ended with beautiful white terraces and an ancient spa town, I’m back to enlighten you! Our next stop was the incredible Ephesus, also known as Efes (yes, just like the delicious Turkish beer).
Set in a valley between rolling green hills, the site of Ephesus was first settled in the 10th century BC, and there is a fantastic myth about how the location was chosen. A Greek prince, Androklos, had to leave Greece after the death of his father, and the Oracle of Delphi promised him that a fish and a boar would show him where to build his new city. One night after searching for this site, fish were being fried over the fire in Androklos’s campsite. One fell away from the rest, and the sparks irritated a boar hidden in the nearby bushes, who charged. Androklos managed to defeat the boar and, remembering the Oracle’s prediction, declared that this would be the site of his new city.
Of course, the site of Ephesus has moved around a bit over the years due to various conquerors, including the Romans and the Turks, and to the silting up of the river. It is speculated that in some stages it may have been higher in the hills, or set further back in the valley. However throughout much of its history it was a highly prosperous state, and this is reflected in the number and richness of its buildings in the main site, many of which are still at least partially standing.
The ‘small’ theatre
Loo with a view!
One of the most famous buildings in Ephesus is the Library of Celsus, originally built in 125AD to celebrate Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemeanus who served as a Roman Governor of the area. The facade has been carefully reconstructed from pieces of the original and gives an idea of the scale of the city!
Sofia, Goddess of Wisdom – very fitting for a library!
One of the most popular spots in Ephesus to visit, both in ancient times and today is the brothel, or at least the sign pointing towards it. As you might be able to make out below, there is a footprint, a woman’s head, a heart, and a money purse – you do the math!
Kitty chilling
My favourite spot was the huge theatre which looked out toward the coastline and with an estimated seating capacity of 24,000 is thought to be one of the biggest in the ancient world.
Playing emperor – the carved claws on the seat show who’s boss!
Amazing view from the top
Like the Roman town of Herculaneum, I loved how I got such a great sense of what life might have been like in Ephesus, just from being able to wander its streets. There’s no replacement for being able to trail your fingers over stonework carved many hundreds of years ago, or match your footprints to ancient pavers. Ephesus is billed as one of the most outstanding ancient cities to visit and from my experience so far, I’d have to agree!
Bits & Pieces
Ephesus (Efes) is located near the modern city of Selçuk, an hour’s flight or approx 8 hours drive from Istanbul
For more information on the site click here
What ancient city has been your favourite to visit?
