About Ephesus (Selcuk)
Ephesus was established as a port and an important commercial centre in the ancient times due to its strategic location. The church congregation here is believed to have been quite strong with Christianity eventually becoming the city’s chief religion. Ephesus is now known for its huge metropolis of ancient streets, arches and ruins.
Archaeological Site
Excavations have revealed grand monuments of the Roman Imperial period including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. The marble streets were lined with stately public buildings including the Bath of Scholastica and the Temple of Hadrian. Ephesus also had several major bath complexes and two agoras, one for commercial and one for state business. The famous Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, once stool with 100 marble pillars each 17m high.
The Loveless Church
Ephesus was the first of the Seven Churches to receive a letter from Apostle John. The church was commended for their good works, their perseverance and their church discipline that guarded against false teachings. Everything about the Ephesian church looked good outwardly but their heart was not in it. The Lord offered the community hope if they would repent and rekindle their love for Christian living.
Other Nearby Attractions
The House of the Virgin Mary has been considered to have been the last home of Mary, mother of Jesus. The Basilica of St John is said to have been constructed over the site of the apostle’s tomb.
- The city was called Ephesos in Greek and Efes in Turkish.
- In the 6th and 7th centuries, there were huge earthquakes that destroyed much of the city. After the city was rebuilt, the Arab invasions forced most of the people to flee. In the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire took control. However, the city and the harbour were deteriorating and by the end of the century, Ephesus was abandoned.
- Ephesus is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is an outstanding example of a Roman port city with sea channel and harbour basin.