AGORA The broad area in front of the Theatre was
the Commercial Agora of Ephesus. Completely surrounded by columns, this Agora
contained three entrances, one from the Celsus Library, one from the front of
the Theatre, and one from the Harbour. In the form of a square 110 metres on a
side, the north side of the Agora is left open, while the remaining three sides
are surrounded by a portico which contained shops. The eastern and southern
sides of the Agora were two-storeyed, the second storey of the eastern side
being constructed in the form of an enclosed Doric stoa. Originally built in
the Hellenistic Period, the Agora was reconstructed in the 3rd century during
the reign of Caracalla (211-217 A.D.). At the centre of the Agora was a sundial
and a water-clock. The centre of the square was faced in marble and contained
statues of the philosophers, statesmen, and of scholars.

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AQUEDUCT OF SEXTILIUS
POLLIO This aqueduct, which brought water to Ephesus, was
constructed between 7 -15 AD. on orders by Sextilius Pollio. The structure is
3.5 kilometers in length and is today located at Derbent Creek, six miles from
the Selçuk-Aydyn highway. It presents a magnificent view as it climbs up the
slopes of Derbent along the creek. This two-storeyed structure at Derbent
brought water from Marnas to the large fountain on the southwest of the State
Agora in the present ruins of Ephesus.

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ARCADIAN STREET This street extending
from the baths to the Theatre is called the Arcadian Street. Originally built in
the late Hellenistic Period, the street was restored during the reign of the
Emperor Arcadius (395-408 AD.), from whom it takes its present name. There were
galleries and shops all along either side of the street, which is 530 metres
long and 11 metres wide. In the centre section is a structure containing four
high columns, an element of decoration which was constructed in the 6th century
AD. Along either side were gates in the form of monumental arches. Since this
street extended to the harbour, it was also referred to as "Harbour
Street".

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ARTEMISSION To the right of the road leading
to Ku?adasy can be seen the ruins of the Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the
seven wonders of the ancient world. Artemis, the virgin goddess of nature, and
protectress of women in childbirth is mentioned in the Iliad with the phrase:
Praise be to Artemis! She, who would water her horses at the reed-filled Meles
river, then pass speedily through Smyrna on her golden chariot towards the
vineyards of Coloros."
The mention of Smyrna in this description would
suggest that the goddess Artemis is of Anatolian origin. At another point in his
Iliad, Homer gives the birthplace of Artemis as Ortygie. Ortygie" means quail in
ancient Greek, and might also have been related to the Mount Nightingale
(Bülbülda?) which was the site of the original city of Ephesus. Furthermore, the
Ephesians at one point had a resolution passed in the Roman senate stating that
their place of origin was Ortygie, and Artemis their patron goddess. It is
perhaps for this reason that the Ephesians erected such a magnificent temple to
this goddess. Artemis is not, in fact, a word of Greek origin, but a derivative
of "artems", meaning "untouched", or 'unspoiled' in an ancient local
tongue.
In Ephesus, Artemis was considered as one and the same as Cybele,
the goddess from whom the land of Anatolia is said to have been born. She is
depicted as a multi breasted figure with many facets, and bears the model of a
temple on her head, in the form of a crown. This triple-storeyed crown indicates
that she is the protector of cities, while the crescent on her forehead
indicates that she is the moon goddess. The breasts, at the same time, link her
to the fertility cult. Artemis also bore the symbol of the bee, the emblem of
Ephesus, which indicates that she is a unique product of Anatolian mythology.
The ruined Artemision contained a total of 127 columns, the 36 façade columns
being decorated with reliefs. It was 115 metres long, 55 metres wide and 18
metres high.
The earliest traces of the Artemision building date to the
7th century B.C. The original temple was destroyed by the Cimmerians, and was
re-built during the 6th century B.C Destroyed once more during the reign of the
mad king Herostratos in the year 356 B.C, Ephesus began to rebuild its cult
centre on an even grander scale after that date. Alexander passed through
Ephesus at about that time and learning that the temple had been destroyed and
burnt down on his birthday, he expressed the Desire to assist with its
re-construction.
He wished, the new temple to be dedicated to him. But
the Ephesians could not assent to this and undertook the reconstruction of the
temple without his aid. The new temple of Artemis measured 105 metres by 55
metres, and was 25 metres in height, covering an area 6000 square metres in all.
Alexander extended the temenos to include an inhabitated area around the temple
as part of the sacred compound. This sacred area was preserved through the rule
of several different kings and governors, was expanded and finally abolished by
the emperor Augustus. In 263 AD., the temple was sacked and destroyed during the
invasion of the Goths.

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BATHS OF SCHOLASTIKA The Baths of
Scholastikia, which are located behind the Temple of Hadrian, were entered by
means of a stairway alongside the temple. The statue seen in the large hall on
the west belongs to a wealthy Scholastikia, who had the baths reconstructed in
the 4th century AD. The public toilets and brothel located alongside the
structure were first constructed along with the baths in the Ist century A.D. It
is believed that the baths consisted of three storeyed. An extensive hall which
would have been the second storey has been uncovered along with another room to
its north and a tiled roof.
The room in which the statue of Scholastikia
was located used as a dressing room, and it extends to the stuccoed hot room
(caldarium) on the north. On the left is the cold room (frigidarium). The marble
floor of the caldarium is built over brick supports, and under it flowed hot
water from the baths' furnaces on the left. The frigidarium contained a swimming
pool, and was located alongside the dressing room. The baths could house a
thousand customers, and contained a library and entertainment rooms. There is
also a doorway opening onto the street leading to the Theatre on the east
slope.

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BATHS OF VARIUS To the east of the
Basilica is a large structure built of cut blocks of marble known as the Baths
of Varius. Built with its north and east walls carved from natural outcroppings
of rock, the baths were constructed in the 2nd century AD. and restored on
numerous occasions, of which the 40 metres long corridor covered with mosaics
from the 5th century is in evidence. With its frigidarium, tepidarium and
caldarium, and other adjacent sections, the baths covers a fairly large area. To
the south of the baths is a large public toilet from the Roman Period and other
structures which were unearthed during excavations in 1969.
This
structure was possibly a gymnasium and Vedia Faedrina, daughter of Vedius
Antonius, one of the wealthy citizens of Ephesus, and the famous sophist P.
Flavius Daminianus each had a room added to the structure. The building uderwent
major alterations during the Byzantine Period.

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BASILICA The Basilica, which starts from the
Gymnasium before the Odeion and extends to the foundation chambers on the west
was originally devoted to commerce, having been constructed as an exchange. The
Basilica was constructed in three sections during the reign of Augustus over a
gallery with a single hall, which was located during the Hellenistic period.
This is a typical Roman basilica, one unusual feature of which is columns, most
of which were restored and installed here.
Its location next to the State
Agora permitted commercial transactions to be carried out more rapidly. It has
been established that to the east of the Basilica there was a stoa, which
underwent major alterations. From here, there were three entrances to the
Basilica of which the largest was in the middle. It was here that the statues of
Augustus and his wife Livia, on display in the Ephesus Museum, were found. The
Basilica is 165 metres long and contains columns with typical 1st century A.D.
bulls' heads and Ionian capitals.

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BROTHEL A peristyle house behind the Hadrian
Temple is known as the brothel. It was built as part of a group of buildings,
including the Baths of Scholastikia and lavatories, during the time of Trajan
(98-117 AD.). Its function was established with the discovery of an inscription
in the lavatories. Entering from the Marble Road, a street sign in the form of a
foot engraved on stone indicates its existance. A second entrance gives access
from the Street of Curettes. The group of buildings of which it is a part
underwent restoration in the 4th century A.D. It is a two-storeyed building,
with a large hall on the ground floor,surmounted by a number of small rooms on
the floor above, although these are now ruined.
There are traces of
frescos on the walls. The western hall wasa dining room, and contains a mosaic
depicting the four seasons. This flanks the two main chambers of the baths. The
elliptical pool contains a mosaic in the centre depicting three women drinking,
a servant standing, a mouse nibbling crumbs and a cat. The statue of priapos,
with outsize phallus, now on display in the Ephesus Museum, was found in a well
to one end of the building.

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CELSUS LIBRARY One of the finest
structures in Ephesus, the Celsus Library has recently been restored. Raised on
a high plinth, the building is approached via a broad flight of steps. It was
built by the Consul Gaius Julius Aquila in 135 AD. as a heroon in honour of his
father, Celsus Polemaeanus, the governor of Asia Minor. The façade is highly
ornamented on two levels, and there are three main portals. Over the portals
were columns and statues arranged in niches. These statues were female figures
representing the virtues wisdom, fate and intellegence. Niches on the interior
of the building were designeo to hold books. The tomb of Celsus was placed in a
crypt below the central large niche.
According to the inscription on the
architrave of the building, its patron, C.Aquila, died before it was completed,
and the construction was carried on by his heirs. Aquila left 25 thousand dinar
for the acquisition of books for the library.

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CHURCH OF SAINT JOHN St. John
lived here with the Virgin Mary after being cast out of Jerusalem in 37-42 A.D.
according to legend, and it is thought to be here that St.John wrote his gospel,
and was buried in the church bearing his name in accordance with his dying
wishes. A wooden basilica was first constructed on the site, above his grave, in
the 4th century A.D., which was replaced in the 5th century by the present
church, built during the reign of the Byzantine emperor, Justinian (577-565
A.D.).
During the 7th and 8th centuries, Ephesus was under constant siege
by the Arabs, when the church was surrounded by a wall, which varied in
structure over the years, but possessed 20 towers and three gates. The grand
portal is the gate now used by visitors. The two other gates are to the east and
west. The walls were built with stones taken from the Gymnasium of Ephesus, as
if in revenge for the Christians thrown to the lions in that stadium during the
first years of Christianity. The Church is entered via the main portal dating to
the 6th century, which consists of an arched entrance flanked by two towers,
leading to a small atrium where one may see inscriptions related to the Church,
which were uncovered there during excavations. This atrium, which measures 34x47
m. is on the western front, and consists of a central court surrounded by an
arched portico with a balustraded gallery to "the exterior. A number of amphora
dating from various periods are to be seen in the centre of the court. A three
celled cistern is buried below the western portal, and covered with a vault.
This is buttressed with flanking walls to compensate for the curve of the
site.
Between the atrium and the nave of the church is a long narrow
narthex. Massive lentils of dressed marble frame the three doors leading to the
atrium and into the nave from the narthex. A wall and a number of portals were
added between the atrium and the narthex at a later date, to create an
exonarthex. Five cupola surmount the narthex itself. The main church is
cruciform in plan, a classic plan with three naves, and a superstructure of six,
large domes over the main nave, with vaulted flanking naves. The domes were
originally supported by marble and brickbond piers, still partially in situ,
with a row of blue-veined marble columns lining the Church between the naves.
The monograms of Theodora, wife of Justinian, are engraved on these columns,
which enables us to date the structure. The above mentioned rows of Columns are
joined by a series of arches which in turn support a second row of arches at
gallery level. The mausoleum chamber is situated before the apse in the central
nave, and is marked out by being raised from the rest of the nave, with two
steps between.
A chapel, originally part of the treasury in the court,
was converted for devotional use in the 10th century. The frescos of St. John,
Christ and other sacred figures are contained in the apse. The treasury is
reached via a gate immediately before it. This is a centrally-planned chamber,
6.30 m. in diameter, fronted by an absidal vaulted hall and flanked by a chapel.
The main chamber is sub-divided by a cruciform plan, into a series of cells,
each containing vaulted niches. It is a two-course building surmounted
originally by a dome, now in ruins. The baptistery is reached via a portal
letting into the forehall of the treasury. It is connected to the Church via a
long narrow corridor running parallel to the northern nave. The baptismal pool
dates to the 6th century, and was originally a tomb. The plan of the
Baptistery is somewhat complex. The main chamber is octagonal in plan, and is
framed by a narrow corridor and flanked on two sides by absidal-planned halls.
The main baptistery is paved with marble, with the pool in the centre. The
baptistery predates the Justinian church, being built in the 5th century.

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CHURCH OF THE VIRGIN MARY
Situated next to the Harbour Corn Exchange, this is the first church to be
dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was also where the Third Ecumenical Council was
held in 431 A.D., and so is considerably important to the development of
Christian dogma.
The building in which it is housed, which is 260 m. in
length and 30 m. in width, was used for scientific training, and for the
theological training of the priests of Ephesus. The plan is that of a triple
naved building, and in the 4th century the church was converted into a basilica
with a central nave flanked by two aisles, when an apse was opened in the
eastern I wall, and a Baptisterium added to the north side of an atrium to the
west of the church. The central nave is the same width as the apse, while the
flanking aisles are somewhat smaller. They are separated from the nave by two
rows of columns, with geometric-designed balustrade panels between. There are
mosaics on the floor of the narthex, to the western tip of the building,
decorated with geometrical patterns, while the Atrium, which has one absidal
wall is paved with stones of various kinds. The Baptisterium is circular in
plan, and contains the baptismal pool in the centre. During the reign of the
emperor Justinian (527 -565), further alterations led to the construction of a
centrally-planned chapel surmounted by a single dome, between the apse and the
narthex of the original church.
The cauldron in the centre was brought
there from the Harbour Baths. In the 10th century a further church was added to
the eastern front, with a small chapel being added to the southern tip of the
church The council meeting held in this church in 431 agreed to accept as dogma
the notion that Jesus, the son of the Virgin Mary was also the Son of God.

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EPHESUS MUSEUM The excavations which
have been continueing since the last century at Ephesus, today are being carried
out by Austrian archaeologists. The works unearthed during these excavations are
being displayed at the Ephesus Museum (Pictures). However the works obtained in
excavations prior to World War II, were taken to the Vienna Museum. The works
museum which formerly was situated in a small building, the new building was
further enlarged in 1979 to the present size of today's Ephesus Museum. The
works brought from the ruins of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, the Ayasoluk
Hill and the Belevi Mausoleum are being displayed in this museum. All of these
are spread out in seven different halls. The first hall is for household
findings. Here, the frescoes found in the homes of Ephesus and the mosaics among
which the head of Medusa and Dionysos of 5th century take place, draw attention.
The most remarkable one is the fresco of Sokrates, the famous philosopher, made
in 1st century A.D. Again the head of Sokrates made out of marble in 3rd century
A.D. is also being exhibited in this hall. Another remarkable work in this hall
which is on display in a showcase and made in form of the fountain of a pool is
the small Statue of Eros with Dolphin which belongs to the 2nd century A.D. The
waters are being poured out of the eyes of dolphin into the pool. Statues of
Asklepios, the God of Health, of Artemis, small statue of the Egyptian monk of
6th century B.C. and the Statue of Bes, made out of baked soil in 2nd century
AD., symbolizing fertility are the favourite works of this hall. The most
attractive one among the statues and heads of Eros, taking place in this hall,
is the Roman Copy of Eros' head made by Lysippos in the Hellenistic period. Next
to the child Eros' head, found in Bouleuterion, the portrait bust of Menander,
the comedy writer takes place.
Busts of Emperor Tiberius and the Empress
Livia, Statue of Artemis and the bronze human head of Roman period are some of
the other works of this hall. From this hall, it is proceeded into a hall where
findings of a small door and a fountain take place. The first work on the right
hand side is the head of Zeus of 1st century B.C Next to this, the statue of
Aphrodisias of 1st century A.D. and in the centre the statue of a resting
warrior of I st century A.D. take place. On the left hand side of the same hall,
the statue group of Polyphemos and Odysseus of 1st century A.D. can be seen.
These works initially placed on the frontal of the Temple of Augustus, later
were moved to the Fountain of Pollio. On the ground, the friends of Odysseus
killed by the giant and on the side, Odysseus carrying a stake to take the
giant's eye out are seen. Right across from this group the statues of Trajan
Fountain take place. Here statues of young Dionysus of 2nd century A.D., of
Satyr in laying position (2nd century A.D.)and of Dionysus and imperial family
by the wall are exhibited. On the other side of this hall, are the statues of
Laecanius Bassus Fountain, also called the Water Palace. On the wall, the Roman
copies of the head of a warrior with helmet and the head of Lysimachos of 5th
century B.C are some of the works which draw attention.
Ephesus
Artemision Church of St.John Isabey Mosque Plan of Ephesus Cave of the Seven
Sleepers State Agora - Aqueduct of Sextilius Pollio Odeion (Bouleuterion) -
Baths of Varius Prytaneion (Municipal Hall) Basilica - Fountain of Laecanius
Bassus Fountain of Pollio Temple of Domitian Memmius Monument Victory Arch with
Reliefs of Hercules Street of the Curretes Fountain of Trajan Temple of Hadrian
Round Tower - Baths of Scholastikia Brothel Terrace Houses Celsus Library Agora
Gate of Mazaeus and Mithridates at the agora Marble way Arcadian Street -
Ephesus Theatre Stadium - Harbour Baths Church of the Virgin Mary Vedius
Gymnasium Harbour Gymnasium and Verulanus Baths House of the Virgin Mary Ephesus
Museum The excavations which have been continueing since the last century at
Ephesus, today are being carried out by Austrian archaeologists. The works
unearthed during these excavations are being displayed at the Ephesus Museum.
However the works obtained in excavations prior to World War II, were taken to
the Vienna Museum. The works museum which formerly was situated in a small
building, the new building was further enlarged in 1979 to the present size of
today's Ephesus Museum. The works brought from the ruins of Ephesus, the Temple
of Artemis, the Ayasoluk Hill and the Belevi Mausoleum are being displayed in
this museum. All of these are spread out in seven different halls. The first
hall is for household findings. Here, the frescoes found in the homes of Ephesus
and the mosaics among which the head of Medusa and Dionysos of 5th century take
place, draw attention. The most remarkable one is the fresco of Sokrates, the
famous philosopher, made in 1st century A.D. Again the head of Sokrates made out
of marble in 3rd century
A.D. is also being exhibited in this hall.
Another remarkable work in this hall which is on display in a showcase and made
in form of the fountain of a pool is the small Statue of Eros with Dolphin which
belongs to the 2nd century A.D. The waters are being poured out of the eyes of
dolphin into the pool. Statues of Asklepios, the God of Health, of Artemis,
small statue of the Egyptian monk of 6th century B.C. and the Statue of Bes,
made out of baked soil in 2nd century AD., symbolizing fertility are the
favourite works of this hall. The most attractive one among the statues and
heads of Eros, taking place in this hall, is the Roman Copy of Eros' head made
by Lysippos in the Hellenistic period. Next to the child Eros' head, found in
Bouleuterion, the portrait bust of Menander, the comedy writer takes place.
Busts of Emperor Tiberius and the Empress Livia, Statue of Artemis and the
bronze human head of Roman period are some of the other works of this hall. From
this hall, it is proceeded into a hall where findings of a small door and a
fountain take place. The first work on the right hand side is the head of Zeus
of 1st century B.C Next to this, the statue of Aphrodisias of 1st century A.D.
and in the centre the statue of a resting warrior of I st century A.D. take
place. On the left hand side of the same hall, the statue group of Polyphemos
and Odysseus of 1st century A.D. can be seen. These works initially placed on
the frontal of the Temple of Augustus, later were moved to the Fountain of
Pollio. On the ground, the friends of Odysseus killed by the giant and on the
side, Odysseus carrying a stake to take the giant's eye out are seen. Right
across from this group the statues of Trajan Fountain take place.
Here
statues of young Dionysus of 2nd century A.D., of Satyr in laying position (2nd
century A.D.)and of Dionysus and imperial family by the wall are exhibited. On
the other side of this hall, are the statues of Laecanius Bassus Fountain, also
called the Water Palace. On the wall, the Roman copies of the head of a warrior
with helmet and the head of Lysimachos of 5th century B.C are some of the works
which draw attention. From here, it is proceeded to the hall of recent findings.
Crosses, coins and the works of I st century AD. such as glass trays, theatrical
masks, candles found in the Seven Sleepers' Cavern; the bust of Emperor Marcus
Arelius found in homes on the slope are some of the works that can be seen here.
The ivory frieze which is one of the finest works of the Museum was found in the
homes of the slope in 1969. The work which belongs to 2nd century AD. depicts
the war, Emperor Trajan fought against barbarians, Emperor Trajan can be clearly
identified in the high relief on the central panel, From here, it is proceeded
to the garden of Museum. In the frontal of a temple placed in this garden one
can see the friezes of the Pollio Fountain completed and placed thereon, Also
pillar heads, and on the west wall, tomb and vow steles are being exhibited
here, The large sarcophagus which takes place in the garden is brough't here
from the Belevi Mausoleum which is at a distance of 11 km. from Selçuk, It is
believed that this Mausoleum of 3rd century B.C., belongs to Antiochos Theos II,
died in 246 B.C. in Ephesus, who is one of the kings of Seleukos after Alexander
the Great. Today at the site of this Mausoleum which is 23 m. high and has
dimensions of 29 .65x29 .65 m. only its pedestal can be seen
From the
garden, it is proceeded to the tomb findings hall. Here, interment ceremonies
and traditions, and also tomb findings are on display. Also, Mycenaean dishes
found in one of the graves which dates back to almost 1400 B.C. and is located
at St. Jean, can be seen here. In the middle of this hall, a ciazomenae type
sarcophagus of 5th century B.C., found in the Trade Agora of Ephesus and made of
baked soil and also the works found in it are being exhibited. Also, the works
found in the Seven Sleepers' Cavern are in this hall. In addition, the statue of
the mother Goddess Cybele which belongs to 6th century B.C., and the stele of
Olympia, the daughter of Diokles of 2nd century B.C. are other works that
attract attention.
In the Artemis hall which is visited next, the statues
of Artemis and the works found in the Temple of Artemis take place. Both statues
of Artemis, one called the Great Artemis and the other called the Beautiful
Artemis were found during the excavations made at Ephesus Prytaneion. The Great
Artemis is 2.92 m. tall and belongs to 2nd century A.D. and has a triple bonnet
on her head. The Beautiful Artemis is 1.74 m. tall and is made about 50 years
after the other and besides her, sacred animals take place. These statues, with
their multibreasts, represent fertility. The golden goddess statue found in the
excavations of the Temple of Artemis which is on display in the showcase belongs
to 2nd century B.C. The ivory, baked soil, bronze and golden works belong to the
period between 7th and 5th centuries B.C. and were left at the temple as vow
articles. From here, it is proceeded to a hall where emperor cults and portraits
are on display. The first statue seen in this hall is of 6th century A.D. and
belongs to Consul Stephanos. Other portraits which belong to distinguished
inhabitants of Ephesus belong to 3rd century A.D. 4 pieces of friezes which
belong to Temple of Hadrianus of 3rd century are also being displayed in this
hall. In the centre, a part of the altar of Domitian Temple can be seen. Also
Julia Paula's bust, and the bust of emperors such as Commodus, Trajan, Nero,
Germanicus and Augustus take place here. When we leave this hall after seeing
the statues of Augustus and of his wife Livia we shall have completed our tour
through the Museum.

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EPHESUS THEATRE This theatre, which
had a seating capacity of 25,000 was first constructed during the Hellenistic
period, although the present structure dates from the 1-2nd centuries AD. The
Roman Theatre was begun during the reign of Claudius (34-41 A.D.), and it took
60 years to build. The second and third storeys of the skene (25x40 m) were
constructed during the reigns of the emperors Nero (54-68 A.D.) and Septimus
Severus ( 193-211 AD.). Only parts of the skene now date from the Hellenistic
period. The Theatre has three cavea, each 22 rows, to which access was obtained
via flights of steps between the cavea. The skene is 18 m. in height and the
inner façade was ornamented with reliefs, columns, blind niches, windows and
decorated with statues on three levels. The semicircular orchestra, surrounded
by a channel, fronted a second skene supported on columns, 2.70 metres in
height, which was approached by flights of steps. This section of the skene was
used during the Roman period.

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FOUNTAIN OF THE LEOCANIUS BASSUS
On the southwest corner of the State Agora we find the remains of
a fountain. According to an inscription which was turned up during the course of
excavation, construction of this fountain was ordered by Gaius Laecanius Bassus
in 80 AD. The facade of this fountain constructed by Bassus, one of the wealthy
man of Ephesus, was richly decorated,and consisted of two storeys which faced
the street. The statues of Tritons and Muses, which were found at the fountain,
are now on display at the Ephesus Museum. Because of the enormous size of the
fountain it has been referred to as the "Water Palace". This fountain is
connected to another fountain which is located just opposite it to the west of
the State Agora, and also at the same time to a storage cistern. The main
section consists of a body in the form of a semicirle and was built in the 2nd
century AD.
The fountain underwent repairs in the reign of Constans and
Constantius II (337-350) when the present wings were added. In inscriptions,
this structure is referred to as the Nymphaion. It is the terminal point of the
Aqueduct of Sextilius Pollio, which was built during the reign of Augustus
between 7 -15 AD. The aqueduct was 3.5 kilometers long, and its remains may
still be seen along the Selçuk-Aydyn highway. There was a cistern in the upper
part of the fountain, and the surroundings of the structure were decorated with
statues of the Emperor.

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FOUNTAIN OF POLLIO This fountain
was built in 93 A.D. by E.Atillius on behalf of E.Sextilius Pollio. The fountain
had a large covered pool which was faced in marble slabs. This Odysseus and
Polyphemus group of statues, recently uncovered at excavations still going on,
display at the Museum. The fountain has been restored from portions which
have been found and raised.

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FOUNTAIN OF TRAJAN Next to the
Hadrian temple, also on the Street of the Curettes stands this fountain, built
in honour of the Emperor T rajan (98-117 AD.). The pool was 20 m. long and 10 m.
wide. It has been partially restored. Originally the pool was flanked by columns
and statuary. The statues are now on display in the Ephesus Museum. The façade
overlooking the pool contained a colossal statue of T rajan in the centre, the
feet of which remain in situ. Parts of the torso were also found during
excavation. This is one of he finest monuments in Ephesus.

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GATE OF MOZAEUS AND
MITHRIDATES OF THE A The most magnificent of the three entrances
to the Agora was the gate alongside the Celsus Library which was dedicated to
Augustus and his family by slaves, Mazaeus and Mithridates. The gate was
constructed in 40 A.D. The dedicatory inscription in Latin belonging to the work
is visible on one side, and was made in inlaid letters of bronze. The two
prisoners originally were employed by Augustus and later by his son in law
Agrippa. Subsequently they were manumitted and settled in Ephesus. After making
their fortunes they had this gate constructed and dedicated in honour of their
former master. Built in the form of a ceremonial arch, the gate consists of
three sections.
The second magnificent gate of the Agora was this one,
located on the west, The front was richly decorated with Ionian columns, and the
gate, which was somewhat high, was reached by a stairway. An inscription found
near the gate reads "Whoever urinates here will be punished".

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HARBOUR BATHS Built in the 2nd century
A.D., it was repaired during the reign of Constantine II(337-361 ). Oriented
along an north-south axis, it stands between the harbour and the Gymnasium, and
is one of the largest structures in Ephesus, measuring 160x170 m. and 28 m. in
height. In the centre of the large hall to the east is the frigidarium, flanked
on both sides by dressing rooms. The frigidarium contains a pool, 30 m. in
length. Marble composite columns are set on piers 11m. in height. Several
statues were found there. The Caldarium, to the west, is a spacious, high-roofed
building. Large numbers of statues were found in the baths, and their bases
remain in situ.

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HARBOUR GYMNASIUM AND VERULANUS
BATHS The Gymnasium was built in the reign of Hadrian, and is
entered from the Harbour Road. It is an elliptical-planned, mosaic-paved open
court, above which is the gate leading to the Atrium. A portal flanked on either
side with bull-heads bearing gems, leads to two pools. The building, which
measures 40x20 m. has a palaestra in the centre, as in other gymnasia of this
sort, surrounded by cells used by the students for various purposes. The
palaestra is faced with coloured marble plaques. An imperial hall, absidal in
plan, flanks the northern wall. The Gymnasium was two-storeyed, and to the east
is the Verulanus Stadium, built by the chief priest of Asia during the reign of
Hadrian (117-138 AD.), the largest of a series of sports facilities lining the
length of the Harbour Road. It measures 200x240 m. and stretches from the
Theatre Gymnasium at one end to the Harbour Gymnasium at the
other.
Access to the main road is via a five sectioned portal leading out
to a narrow connecting alley. The Stadium consists of a track surrounded by a
marble-paved triple columned portico, with access to the Gymnasium on its
western flank.

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HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY Some
four to six years after the death of Christ, St. John is said to have
accompanied the Virgin Mary to Ephesus, where it is believed they dwelt in a
small house over which now stands the Council Church, or the Church of the
Virgin Mary. The Council Ephesus, dated of 431 record this. Later St. John
brought the Virgin Mother to a house on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain, the
position of which was later forgotten, until research was begun in 1891 to find
traces of it. Katerina Emmerikin discovered this house at Panaya Kapulu, which
fits the descriptions given in the sources. It was officially accepted to be the
house of the Virgin in 1892 with the celebration of high mass there by Timoni,
Archbishop of Yzmir, and this belief has recently been confirmed by Pope Paul VI
in 1967 and Pope John Paul II in 1979 with the celebration of high mass at
Ephesus. The house is reached by a road leading from the ruins of Ephesus
towards the Bülbül Mountain, and is only a short walk from the road (100
m).
On the site of the House of the Virgin Mary is a cruciform church
with a central dome, which is thought to have been incorporated into the
original building in the 6-7th centuries. The later structure can easily be
identified, as shown in red. Entering the church via an arched Rortico with
flanking niches, one reaches a vaulted narthex, from which a raised portal leads
to the nave and apse. A statue of the Virgin Mary to be seen here was erected in
the last century, and is fronted bya grey hearth area, known to have been used
for burning coal, and traces of coal and wine were found there during
excavations. The small room to the south was a bed chamber. The absidal niche in
the eastern wall of this room is regarded as a shrine by Moslems, who believe in
the saintliness of the Virgin Mary. Arabic inscriptions around the walls are
quotations from the Koran relating to the Virgin Mary. To the west are a series
of fountains springing from below the floor of the house. The water flowing from
these fountains is considered curative. Visitors are free to drink the waters
under the shade of the shrine.

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ISABEY MOSQUE This mosque, located on
the slope containing Ayasoluk Castle and the Church of St. John, attracts the
visitors to the latter structure with its beauty. The Mosque was built by the
architect Aliye son of ?amly in 1375 on orders by Ysa Bey, son of Mehmet, leader
of the Aydyno?ullary. The structure is built on a 51 by 57 metres nearly
rectangular plan. The door which faces west is decorated with artificial
stalactites, over which is a dedicatory inscription.
Upon entry there is
a courtyard which is surrounded on three sides by porticoes with a fountain for
ablutions in the centre. The Mosque itself is entered from the courtyard through
a triple vaulted doorway. This section possesses two domes set upon four granite
columns. The pulpit is covered with tiles. Three of the column capitals are done
in traditional Turkish style, while a fourth is a Roman capital.
The
western façade was done inspired by Konya Seljuk works. The upper parts of the
windows on the left are decorated with rows of stalactites and inscriptions of
hadith (incidents from the life of the Prophet). The ones on the right are each
decorated in an entirely separate style. This is one of the first examples of a
mosque containing two congregation places, and as such it represents an
important example of the transition from Seljuk to Ottoman art.

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MARBLE WAY It is situated on a square
beyond the Herakles gate, and was built during the 1st century AD., during the
reign of Augustus, by the Memmius family. Partical restoration has been carried
out with surviving fragments. According to an inscription. The monument was
erected by Memmius, one of the descendants of the dictator Sulla. During the 4th
century A.D. a large fountain was built onto the north-west facade.

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MEMMIUS MANUMENT It is situated on a
square beyond the Herakles gate, and was built during the 1st century AD.,
during the reign of Augustus, by the Memmius family. Partical restoration has
been carried out with surviving fragments. According to an inscription. The
monument was erected by Memmius, one of the descendants of the dictator Sulla.
During the 4th century A.D. a large fountain was built onto the north-west
facade.

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ODEION (BOULEUTERION) The
Odeion, in which State affairs and concerts were held, was ordered to be
construct by Publius Vedius Antoninus and his wife Flavia Papiana, two wealthy
citizens of Ephesus, in the 2nd century AD. The Odeion seated an audience of
1450 and was enclosed. Since the podium next to the orchestra and the stage
section do not conform to the style of a typical Roman theatre, the structure
was most likely used primarly as a meeting hall for the Municipal Council. The
location of government structures alongside strengthens this view.

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PRITANEION ( MUNICIPAL HALL)
The Municipal Hall, built together with the Altar of Hestia alongside it,
was at the same time used as the sacred precinct of the City.
There was a
sacred flame kept constantly alight over the Altar of Hestia, and there were
statues of Artemis of Ephesus here which were marble copies of the wooden
statues located in the Temple of Artemis. The Prytaneion was primarily a place
where religious ceremonies and rituals were held. Although the building was
first constructed in the 3rd century B.C during the reign of Lysimachos, the
remains we see today are those of the sections which were reconstructed during
the reign of Augustus. The four-cornered pit in which the sacred fire burned is
a relic from the reign of Lysimachos.
The building is constructed in the
Doric style and is surrounded by a large number of late-period structures which
were used for municipal services. A great number of structural elements were
removed from this building during the construction of the Scholastikia Baths.

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ROUND TOWER This is situated behind the
Trajan fountain, at the foot of Panayyr Mountain. The tower was erected as a
monument in 50 A.D. It is square-planned, and set on a podium was the
cylindrical shaft surrounded bya row of arches on two courses, now in
ruins.
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STADIUM En route to the ruins after the
Gymnasium of Vedius, the monumental gate of the Stadium attracts our attention.
The original Stadium was constructed in the Hellenistic Period, and was restored
and expanded during the reign of the Emperor Nero (54-58 A.D.). The large
vaulted gates were later modified and repaired in the 3rd and 4th
centuries.
The Stadium is 230 metres long and 40 metres wide, and its
right side rests on bedrock. On the left, vaulted passageways have been
constructed for the rows of seats. Athletic contests, gladiatorial fights, and
chariot races were held in this Stadium. The stepping stones of the interior
have been carried away.

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STATE AGORA The square structure built
immediately alongside the Basilica is the State Agora of Ephesus which is
reached from the Basilica by four steps. This Agora, which was built during the
Roman Period over the existing 2nd century B.C Agora, was where all the city's
business other than commerce was conducted. Exploratory excavations made in the
northeast corner of the Agora have turned up a great number of graves from
the.7th through 6th centuries B.C and a stone-paved road, and a archaic
sarcophagus of terra cotta was found here. From this it is understood that in
the archaic period this section served as the necropolis of
Ephesus.
Model of the State Agora: 1- Baths of Vedius, 2- Basilica, 3-
Odeion, 4- Temple of Divus Julius, 5-Prytaneion, 6- Memmius Monument, 7- Garland
frieze, 8-Fountain of Pollio, 9- Temple of Isis, 10- South hall, 11- Fountain of
Laecanius Bassus, 12- Temple of Domitian, 13- Fountain.
The Agora is 160
metres long and 73 metres wide and appears to have been constructed during the
reigns of Augustus and Claudius, that is, during the 1st century A.D. In the
center of the Agora, a temple in a somewhat different style was unearthed in
1970. This structure, also from the 1st century A.D. appears to have been a
Temple to Isis. Constructed on a 10 by 6 column plan, only the foundations of
this temple have been located. The superstructure of the temple was torn down on
the orders of the Emperor Theodosius in the 4th century in the course of
alterations which were made in the Agora.

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STREET OF THE CURRETES This
street, which starts at the Celsus Library and extends east to the Magnesia
Gate, is known as the Street of the Curettes, and takes its name from the class
of priests referred to as "curettes" in long lists found at the clerical schovl
of chief priests. These priests guarded the sacred fire of the Goddess Hestia
(Vesta). The street is decorated with fountains, monuments, statues, and
galleries containing mosaics. On one side there are shops behind the columned
porticoes.
The street assumed its final appearance in the 4th and 5th
centuries.

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TEMPLE OF DOMITION The Temple of
Domitian (AD. 81-96) was the first structure at Ephesus dedicated to an emperor.
The building is constructed on a terrace set on vaulted foundations. The temple
was constructed by the Ephesians as a token and symbol of their friendship with
Romans. Today little remains of the Temple of Domitian, which was located in the
centre of a broad platform, exists. The work on the temple began while the
emperor was still alive, and the structure was destroyed at the end of the
Christian Period. The huge statue of Domitian found near the temple is today at
the Yzmir Museum. Approach to the temple was achieved by means of the monumental
stairway still visible today on the north side of the terrace. The façade of the
temple was decorated with eight columns. To the north was an altar, now on
display in the Ephesus Museum, which is decorated with reliefs portraying
various implements of war.
The terrace is 50 by 100 metres in size, and
from the north appears to be two storeys high. The terrace is set on a
foundation which rests against the slope. On the east were shops and small
chambers, where a fresco of Demeter was found. On either side of the U-shaped
extension are niches, above which were located windows which served to light the
interior.

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TEMPLE OF HADRIAN This is on the
street of the Curettes, and is one of the better preserved buildings at Ephesus.
According to the inscription over the architrave it was constructed by
P.Quintilius between 118-138 A.D., and dedicated to the emperor Hadrian.
Corinthian columns on the façade support a triangular arched frieze, highly
decorative in character, which contains a relief of Tyche, goddess of victory. A
vaulted roof covers the colonnaded portico. Four statue bases front the
building. Demolished in the 4th century AD. during restoration, the two friezes
flanking the portal were brought from other buildings and mounted there. They
represent scenes from the foundation of Ephesus, and include figures of deities
and Amazons, and the Amazons and Dionysos in ceremonial procession. The fourth
frieze portrays Athena, goddess of the moon, two male figures, one of which is
Apollo, a female figure, Androkles, Herakles, the wife and son of Theodosius and
the goddess Athena.

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TERRACE HOUSES Houses on the slopes
behind Ephesus are to be seen opposite the Temple of Hadrian. Those on the upper
slopes are reached via steps. They are situated on the slopes of Bülbül
Mountain, with the roof of one house forming the terrace of that above it. They
were inhabited by wealthy Ephesians, and are finely decorated with mosaics and
frescos. Built in the period of Augustus, they were much altered and continued
to be inhabited until the 7th century AD., according to the evidence of
excavations. Two of the insulae houses have been totally restored and are now
open to the public.
Peristyle House I: This two-storeyed house covers an
area of 900 m2. It is a 12-roomed house entered via a flight of steps leading
down to a hall (A1 ), to the right of which is another flight of stairs, flanked
by a facet and basin, which leads to the other rooms of the house. A2 is reached
via a passageway. It is the courtyard, with four doric columns in the corners
and paved in marble. The remains of a fountain can be seen in the northern
corner of the court. Beyond this are the halls A10-11, which have mosaic floors
and frescos decorating the walls. The house dates from the 1st century AD, but
these two rooms were added in 400 AD. One of these rooms is flanked bya
staircase leading up to the upper floor of the house, and beyond that is another
chamber decorated with frescos and with a mosaic floor (B7).East of the
peristyle courtyard is a hall with walls 4 m. in height. Situated next to the
entrance, this room is decorated with fresco scenes from the plays of
Euripides-namely 'Orestes', to the left and the comedies of Menander to the
right, namely 'Sikyonioi'. It is known as the theatre room because of these
frescos. The other walls are decorated with figures, namely the combat of
Acheloos, the river god, with Herakles to the left. The frescos in this room,
which also has a mosaic floor, must date to the 2nd century AD. The house also
possesses a bathroom, to the south of the entrance hall (A.8), with the kitchen
flanking it (A.12). Next to this are various small chambers opening onto the
flanking street, and the service entrance. Artefacts found during the course of
excavation are displayed in situ.
Peristyle House II: This is beyond the
first house. It possesses two peristyles and is larger than the other houses on
the insula. First built in the Ist century AD., it underwent various
restorations up to the 7th century. The main peristyle (B1 ), which possesses
columns dating to the 5th century in the Corinthian order,flanks to the south, a
long gallery covered from end to end in black and white geometric mosaics.
Opposite this is a second gallery containing mosaics of Triton and Nereide.
Triton bears in his left hand, the spear of his father Poseidon, while holding
the reigns of the sea horse bearing Nereide in his right hand. These figures are
placed before the vaulted open niche (B.6). The latter is paved with black and
white marble in a basketwork pattern. Frescos on the walls include the heads of
Dionysus and Ariadne framed by medallions, surrounded by trees, peacocks, ducks
and cockerels. These mosaics are dated to the 5th century AD., and are in
extremely good condition. The vaults are framed to both sides by a fresco frieze
depicting Eros figures bearing a garland. Other rooms of various sizes to the
east of the house are paved with black and white mosaic patterns and embellished
with frescos of birds and floral patterns. The walls of two other rooms (B9 and
10) are decorated with fresco panels of muses, dating to the 4th
century.
B11-12 is the dining hall. Niches set into the southern wall
mark the wash-basins. They contain frescos which were restored in monochrome at
a much later period. The kitchen is on the western corner of the house, and is
decorated with frescos of fish and birds. The second peristyle (B14) fianks this
hall.

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VEDIUS GYMNASIUM As one enters the
ruins of Ephesus, the first structure one encounters is the Vedius Gymnasium the
remains of those monumental walls attract our attention. This building was
constructed around the middle of the 2nd century A.D. by Publius Vedius
Antoninus, a leading citizen of Ephesus. According to its inscription, this
Gymnasium was dedicated to the city's goddess Artemis and to the Emperor
Antoninus Pius ( 138-161 AD.) jointly by Publius Vedius Antoninus and his wife
Papiana. The entrance of the Gymnasium, which faces the asphalt road, is on
the east. Passing through this doorway one finds himself in the palaestra
(courtyard), which is surrounded by columns. After this courtyard comes the
hall of emperors, having floors decorated with mosaics and which was fitted out
with statues. It was at the center of the back wall of this hall that the statue
of the emperor was found.
Ephesus Artemision Church of St.John Isabey
Mosque Plan of Ephesus Cave of the Seven Sleepers State Agora - Aqueduct of
Sextilius Pollio Odeion (Bouleuterion) - Baths of Varius Prytaneion (Municipal
Hall) Basilica - Fountain of Laecanius Bassus Fountain of Pollio Temple of
Domitian Memmius Monument Victory Arch with Reliefs of Hercules Street of the
Curretes Fountain of Trajan Temple of Hadrian Round Tower - Baths of
Scholastikia Brothel Terrace Houses Celsus Library Agora Gate of Mazaeus and
Mithridates at the agora Marble way Arcadian Street - Ephesus Theatre Stadium -
Harbour Baths Church of the Virgin Mary Vedius Gymnasium Harbour Gymnasium and
Verulanus Baths House of the Virgin Mary Ephesus Museum As one enters the ruins
of Ephesus, the first structure one encounters is the Vedius Gymnasium the
remains of those monumental walls attract our attention. This building was
constructed around the middle of the 2nd century A.D. by Publius Vedius
Antoninus, a leading citizen of Ephesus. According to its inscription, this
Gymnasium was dedicated to the city's goddess Artemis and to the Emperor
Antoninus Pius ( 138-161 AD.) jointly by Publius Vedius Antoninus and his wife
Papiana. The entrance of the Gymnasium, which faces the asphalt road, is on the
east. Passing through this doorway one finds himself in the palaestra
(courtyard), which is surrounded by columns. After this courtyard comes the hall
of emperors, having floors decorated with mosaics and which was fitted out with
statues. It was at the center of the back wall of this hall that the statue of
the emperor was found. Part of this structure was used as a bath, and in the
portion looking out on the street there is a dressing room and around this a
tepidarium, a caldarium, and a frigidarium. All the statues found here are
today in the izmir Archaeological Museum.

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VICTORY ARCH WITH RELIEFS OF
HERCULES This victory arch with reliefs of Hercules is located at
the junction of the Street of the Curettes with secondary streets. The monument
was constructed towards the end of the 4th century, but no other parts of it
have been found. If the structure to be completed; it would appear to resemble
the Arch of Constantine in Rome. The reliefs of Hercules were originally made in
the 2nd century, and were brought here towards the end of the 4th century from
another structure.

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