Ephesus is an ancient city located in the southwest corner of modern Turkey

Ephesus is an ancient city located in the southwest corner of modern Turkey, which was traditionally part of the Greek and Roman empires. Once a major cultural, political, and economic center of the region, Ephesus is now an important archaeological site, as well as a popular tourist destination. The ancient ruins of the city reflect a fascinating history spanning almost 3000 years.

The city of Ephesus was founded in the 10th century BC by Ionian Greeks, and it quickly became an important trading post due to its strategic location on the fertile coastal plain of the Aegean Sea. By the 6th century BC, Ephesus was a leading cultural center for the Ionian Greeks, and it would later become a province of the Roman Empire.

Ephesus was referred to as ‘the prettiest of cities’ by Emperor Augustus, and its impressive monuments reveal the great architectural works of the Greek and Roman empires. Highlights of the ruins include the Great Theatre of Ephesus, which had a capacity of 24,000 spectators; the Temple of Artemis, once considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World; and the Library of Celsus, a notable public monument.

Ephesus was also an important center of Christian worship and the site of numerous important religious developments. The city was home to the Council of Ephesus in 431, which firmly established the doctrine of the Virgin Mary as the Mother of God.

Today, visitors to Ephesus can explore the fascinating ruins, many of which are remarkably well-preserved. To help people understand the layout of the city, a modern reconstruction of Ephesus has been created, which gives visitors a better idea of what the city was like in its heyday. A visit to Ephesus is an exciting journey back in time, offering insight into the way in which ancient cultures interacted with each other.