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Ephesus
In
the ancient world, Ephesus was a center of travel and commerce.
Situated on the Aegean Sea at the mouth of the Cayster River, the city
was one of the greatest seaports of the ancient world.
Three
major roads led from the seaport: one road went east towards Babylon via
Laodicea, another to the north via Smyrna and a third south to the
Meander Valley.
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Temple of Artemis
Considered
one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, Ephesus' Temple of
Artemis was dedicated to the goddess of the hunt. Only the
foundation and one column remains of this temple which once measured 425
ft long, 220 ft wide and 60 ft high.
Paul's
successful ministry in this city was considered a threat to this very
temple (Acts 19:27).
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Library of Celsus
Originally
built in 115-25 A.D., this restored facade is a highlight of the ruins
today. This style is believed to be the standard architectural
form for Roman libraries. The interior measures 70 by 80 feet and
held approximately 15,000 scrolls.
This
library was dedicated to Celsus the proconsul of Asia and his
sarcophagus was located under the apse.
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Terrace Houses
From
the time of Augustus, these dwellings of wealthy Ephesians, were
decorated with beautiful frescoes and mosaics. The houses had luxurious
bedrooms, bathrooms, triclinium, and kitchens.
Built
against the mountain south of Ephesus, the roof of one house forms the
terrace for the house above it. These houses were inhabited until
the 7th c. A.D.
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Commercial Agora
This
market area is known as the "Square Agora" because of its
dimensions 360 ft square. It arose in the Hellenistic period and
was surrounded on all sides by arched shops about 40 ft deep. It is
located next to the harbor and was the city's main commercial
center. It is quite possible that Paul worked here with Priscilla
and Aquila in their tent-making business.
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Theater
Originally
holding 25,000 people, this theater was built in the Hellenistic period
and was renovated by several Roman emperors. Designed for
theatrical performances, later alterations allowed gladiatorial contests
to be held here.
When Paul was
accused of hurting the Artemis and her temple, the mob gathered together
in this theater (Acts 19:23-41).
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Related Websites
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Ephesus (ephesusguide.com)
Dedicated to every aspect of Ephesus, information from history to
hotels can be found on this page. Note links to sites around the
city ("About Ephesus") and a photo gallery.
Ephesus (Christian
Travel Study Program) Highlights the location and history of
Ephesus, giving background for the city's place in biblical history.
Ephesus (Explore
Turkey) Features detailed descriptions of the major archaeological
finds at the site. Most offer enlargeable photos.
Ephesus:
An Online Panoramic Virtual Tour (Sail Turkey)
Walks you through the archaeological site of Ephesus, showing panning
360-degree photographs and explaining their contents.
The
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (University of South
Florida, Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) Provides a
summary of the location, history and description of this beautiful
building.
Focus
on Ephesus (The Discerning Eye) Includes a
suggested "tour" of the site, humorous "travelers
tips" throughout, and many photographs highlighting the
featured sites within the text.
EPHESUS (Focus
Multimedia) Briefly describes each of the major archaeological
discoveries within the site with many links to related topics
throughout.
Ephesus (Turkish
Odyssey) A lengthy discussion of many issues connected with this
famous city. Subjects of interest include: Ephesian scholar "Heraclitus,"
"Ephesus and Christianity," "Ephesus, One of the Seven
Churches of Revelation," and the "Kucuk Menderes (Cayster)
River".
Ephesus (turizm.net)
Describes the history and legends associated with Ephesus,
accompanied by a few small pictures.
Ephesus Guide (Kusadasi.biz) Includes photos and descriptions of
more than a dozen sites in the city, with 360 degree photos.
Ephesus (The
Catholic Encyclopedia) A lengthy article detailing the history of
the city from its founding to present day. The beginning of
Christianity in Ephesus is summarized, highlighting the New Testament
period.
The
Temple of Artemis (Museum of Unnatural Mystery)
Traces the historical development of the Temple of Artemis,
including the discovery of its remains, against all odds, in the 1800's.
Ephesus
(Unbound Bible) Summarizes the role of this city in Paul's
ministry. For an expansion of this explanation click on Unbound
Bible's Mission
in Ephesus.
Turkey
and Seven Churches of Revelation Photo Album (ArcImaging, Rex
Geissler) Many large photographs from a tour. Go to
"E" section for Ephesus.
Images
of Ephesus (Personal Page) Contains about 50 medium
resolution pictures of sites and finds from one traveler.
Ephesus, Turkey (Sacred Destinations) Concise, accurate
description of the site and its history. Includes links to other
sites.
Paul's Ephesus (Brandon Wason) Detailed, interesting, and
accurate website about the city in the time of the apostle. The
"Site
Guide" includes a number of photos and the "Ephesus
in Acts" section gives helpful information about the harbor,
synagogue, theater, hall of Tyrannus, and more
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