THE ANCIENT CITY OF EPHESUS                                                               

Ephesus, nestled on the western shores of what is now modern-day Turkey, stands as one of the most emblematic cities of antiquity — a place where the echoes of Greek philosophy, Roman governance, and early Christian theology once coexisted. Although today it is an archaeological site near the town of Selçuk in İzmir Province, Ephesus was once a thriving metropolis that bore witness to centuries of cultural, political, and religious transformation.

The origins of Ephesus trace back as far as the 10th century BCE, when Ionian Greeks established a settlement in the fertile valley by the Kaystros (now Küçük Menderes) River. According to legend, the city was founded by Androclus, a son of the Athenian king Codrus, who followed a prophecy delivered by the oracle of Delphi. Early Ephesus was greatly influenced by Anatolian culture, particularly that of the Luwians and later the Lydians, with whom it maintained trade and political ties.

One of the most iconic structures associated with Ephesus is the Temple of Artemis, a monumental sanctuary dedicated to the Greek goddess of the hunt and fertility. Built around 550 BCE and later reconstructed, this temple was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World due to its grand scale and intricate design. Pilgrims from across the known world traveled to Ephesus to pay homage, and the city prospered as a spiritual and commercial hub.

Under Roman rule, which began in earnest in the 1st century BCE, Ephesus reached the pinnacle of its wealth and influence. As the capital of the Roman province of Asia, it became a cosmopolitan urban center teeming with merchants, politicians, and scholars. Its strategic location near the Aegean Sea made it a key port for both military and commercial activity. During this period, remarkable urban development took place: marble-paved streets, aqueducts, elaborate fountains, bathhouses, and public latrines were constructed, reflecting Roman engineering at its finest.

Among the most famous Roman-era monuments is the Library of Celsus, erected in honor of the Roman senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus. This library not only held thousands of scrolls but also served as a mausoleum for Celsus himself. Close by stood the Great Theatre, capable of seating up to 25,000 spectators, used for dramatic performances and public debates, and later even gladiatorial contests.

Ephesus also played a critical role in the spread of Christianity. The Apostle Paul spent significant time preaching in the city, and it is believed that both the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation were written in the region. Moreover, Christian tradition holds that the Virgin Mary spent her final years in Ephesus, and the House of the Virgin Mary, situated in the hills nearby, remains a pilgrimage site for visitors of multiple faiths to this day.

Despite its prominence, Ephesus faced a gradual decline. Earthquakes, the shifting of the Kaystros River, and the silting of its harbor slowly cut the city off from the sea. As maritime trade routes moved elsewhere, so too did the lifeblood of the city. Repeated sackings and invasions — including those by the Goths in the 3rd century CE — weakened its infrastructure and population. By the Byzantine period, Ephesus was reduced to a modest town and eventually abandoned altogether.

Today, Ephesus endures as one of the world’s most extensively excavated and well-preserved ancient cities. Walking through its ruins, one can still sense the grandeur of a civilization that once harmonized artistic splendor, architectural mastery, and diverse spiritual traditions. Its layered history, from the worship of Artemis to the early Christian communities, makes Ephesus a timeless window into humanity’s evolving story.