Thousands of tourists come to Ephesus every day. Passengers on cruise ships that dock nearby are whisked over in fleet of luxury buses around town. And it is very, very hot during the day. On the suggestion of our rental lady, we altered our plan: we will do the museum in the morning; swim in the villa swimming pool to cool down; then to Ephesus later in the day, when the throngs of tourists have departed. It worked out perfectly for us.
Ephesus Museum
This place has incredible collection of ancient pieces recovered from Ephesus. For most Museums in Turkey, kids under 12 enter free. For the first time, a ticket vendor asked us for proof of Amaka's age. And he was rude about it.We did not have her passport so we had to buy her an adult ticket rather than returning home in the heat.
Before an ancient sun dial
In front of a Sacophagus - built of limestone and used to bury the dead, the limestone quickly broke down the bodie and they could be reused.
Artemis, the fertility goddess with rows of egg-shaped breasts.
Busts of Roman Emperors
Remnants of statute of Emperor Domitian (brother and successor to Emperor Titus - of Jerusalem fame), taken from his temple in Ephesus.
The alter to the emperor:
Swim before Ephesus Tour:
Ephesus Tour
Ephesus was once the most important Greco-Roman city of Eastern Mediterranean, everyone came here - Alexander the Great, St. John and the Virgin Mary, St. Paul, and everyone else. St. Paul address one of his letters to Ephesians; The Book of Acts recount his fights with the silversmiths of this town over the statues of the goddess Artemis. The ancient city prospered because of its geographic location and its cult to Artemis/Diana (from which they made lots of money from pilgrims). It is supposed to be the best-preserved ancient site in the world. Today, walking around the place it is hard to imagine that this city was near a harbor. Nature and earth movement has changed the place so much.
On the Grand Arcadian way that led to the habour in front of the ancient Theatre
View from the stadium showing the grand Arcadian Way:
Ephesus Theater. 40,000 capacity. St. Paul preached here:
Ephesus library. Built by the family of Julius Celsus (Roman Governor) as their father's mausoleum and public memorial it once held 12,000 scrolls, but was all set aflame by a deranged man (supposedly). Destroyed after an earthquake, it was never completely rebuilt.
With friends we met at the library.
Roman latrines:
on the Street of Curetes--someone is tired.
Temple of Domitian--dedicated to first century Roman Emperor:
Other interesting signs:
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