The Ancient City of Ephesus

As part of my trip vacation to Turkey in 2015 Ephesus was surely on the list. Ephesus was an important historical city and was prominent throughout the Classical Roman Period. It had its humble beginnings in the Bronze Era and then traded hands between Greeks and Persians until the Romans came into play around 300bc.

(Library of Celsius)

The Temple of Artimus was one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient world. The Gospel of John is believed to be written here. Mary the mother of Jesus also lived here for some time and was laid to rest in the mountain above the city.

The city lost its promenence after and Earthquake around 600AD and around that time the rivers and ports has silted up enough there was no longer any trade significance.

Today it is easily accessible to travelers and tourists being close to an International airport at Izmer.

The Gate of Agustus for Emperor Agustus.

The smaller of the 2 great theaters.

A nice Turkish 4 legged citizen sitting proudly on the ruins.

The sky was very dramatic that day.

A view down the main road.

The serpents on the stick what came to be the modern day symbol for medicine.

Grand marble pillars.

Tile Mosaics on the road ways.

A view of the exaggerated entry to the library of Celsius. It gives the illusion of being much taller when standing in front of it because the lower level is shorter than the upper level.

A gateway with Medusa's head carved in it.

A communal toilet must have been the place to sit down with your neighbor and catch up on some hot gossip.

Serious renovations and rebuilding of a residential part of the city is taking place with restored artwork and living areas.

The harbor street as sunset is starting.

Views of the great theater seating up to 25,000 people.

All photos were shot with a Samsung camera phone or a Canon Digital Rebel Camera.