The Ancient Greek City of Ephesus

Ephesus, not far from Selcuk, in Roman times had a population of 250,000 people, not only the second biggest city after Rome, but also the second largest city in the world.

Ephesus is home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, which was destroyed by a mob led by St. John Chrysostom as well as one of the seven churches of Asia from the Book of Revelations. It is popular opinion amongst scholars that the Gospel of John was written in Ephesus.

Main Street of Ephesus, leading to the harbour.

Temple of Hadrian, erected in 118 AD and dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, considered one of the Five Good Emperors by Machiavelli. Above the inner doorway, a relief of Medusa, to ward off evil spirits.

Library of Celsus contains the tomb of Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, governor of Asia minor. A statue of Athena, goddess of wisdom stood across from the tomb. Up to 12,000 scrolls and manuscripts were stored within the library, which also contained an auditorium for lectures during the time of Emperor Hadrian.

Tomb of John the Apostle, in the Basilica of St. John. The story goes that John wrote the gospel at the request of the other disciples and eventually lay to die in the church where he wrote the book. The Basilica was built over the tomb, replacing the church.