Just 18 kilometers from the marina of Kusadasi is the ancient Ephesus. You can get there in 20-30 minutes by dolmushe.

Ephesus - the city of Artemis

Two thousand years BC, near the confluence of the river Kaistr (today Kucuk Menderes), located on the shores of the Aegean Sea, the first settlers, the future inhabitants of Ephesus, began to arrive. The city was located in Asia Minor, not far from modern Izmir (ancient Smyrna). This city was called "the city of the goddess Artemis" because the city was the temple of Artemis - one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The ancient city of Ephesus is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.

The legend of the foundation of Ephesus

Ephesus on the map of Turkey

According to ancient Greek mythology, one day, the son of the ruler of Athens, Androkles, received a mission from an oracle. He was ordered to create a new city. The place for the construction of the city was to be found by Androkles himself, according to the oracle, the boar, fire and fish will help him in this. Having equipped the ship for long voyage, Androkles sailed along the shores of the Aegean Sea. Suddenly he saw fishermen who were cooking fish on a fire. The flame was big, sparks were flying around. One spark hit the bushes and a boar jumped out. Seeing this, Androkl decided to build a city on this spot. During the construction of the city, Androkles met Ephesus, the leader of the Amazons. Having fallen in love with the beautiful woman, he named the city in her honor.

The history of Ephesus

Theater of Ephesus with a capacity of up to 25 thousand spectators

Archaeological excavations have shown that already in the 10th century BC there really existed a settlement built by Ionians. The inhabitants of Ephesus were mainly engaged in cattle breeding and farming, fishing. Ephesus was a typical Greek city, consisting of the inherent attributes of the Hellenes: the sacred Acropolis, the forum and the agora - the market square where the people gathered. In 541 BC. e. the city captured the army of the Lydian king Croesus. Croesus was extremely rich, but also stingy. Despite his incredible greed, Croesus to the surprise of the inhabitants of Ephesus did not spare the money for the development of the city. It was with this ruler that the city flourished and reached the greatest prosperity. Creuse invested in the new temple of Artemis.

In 387 BC. This Ephesus came under the control of Persia. A little later, after half a century in 334 BC, the great commander Alexander the Great defeated the Persians and drove them out of Ephesus. After the Macedonian city, its heirs ruled. Then Ephesus passed into the hands of the Seleucid dynasty. Around the II century BC. e. the city took possession of the Romans. They built a huge library, known in the ancient world as the library of Celsius. In ancient times, this library was second only to Alexandria in its significance. Also, when the Romans appeared theater, public baths, channels. The city flourished and became the capital of the Roman provinces of Anatolia.

The port street of Ephesus - the port is already very far from the sea

The cause of the disappearance of the great city was silt. He was carried by the river in huge quantities and the once beautiful city turned into a swamp. People began to gradually move to neighboring cities and settlements. Soon the sea dropped to 50 meters and moved away from the city. In the XV century, the city finally became empty. Today, only remnants of the Roman ruins remind of the former greatness of the city. The once fragrant and prosperous city of the goddess Artemis today is only historical material and cultural heritage. Now the city is located in Turkey, near the famous resort of Kusadasi, almost near the town of Selcuk. Fans of history, visiting the ruins of Ephesus, can see there the symbols of the ancient city: the ruins of the Bolshoi Theater, the remains of the library of Celsius, the ruins of the temple of Artemis.

Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

Model of the Temple of Artemis

According to legend, Artemis was the daughter of Zeus. The ancient Greeks considered her the goddess of fertility, the patroness of all life on earth. Artemis took care of the animals, caused the growth of flowers, trees and herbs. In many places, the cult of Artemis was widespread, but it was especially famous for the temple in Ephesus, which housed the statue of Artemis with a multi-chest, which was the patroness of childbearing.

Ruins of the Temple of Artemis

Ephesians worshiped Artemis. They believed that it was Artemis who grants them flocks, fertile soils and harvests. For their favorite city dwellers built a beautiful temple, which was considered a wonder of the world in ancient times. According to scientists, the temple was founded in the IV century BC. The temple was burned by a local resident Herostratus, who thus wanted to become famous. But the temple was restored. Unfortunately, it was again destroyed by wild tribes of nomadic Cimmerians, people from the Black Sea region. Now from the majestic temple of Artemis Ephesus, there is only one column. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. On the territory of modern Turkey is another wonder of the world, it is the mausoleum in Halicarnassus.

Library of Celsus in Ephesus

Celsus Library

This ancient Roman building is the most popular building of the ancient city, which is a symbol of Ephesus. In front of the two-story library building there are 4 statues that embody wisdom, virtue, thought and cognition. The best time to visit this place is in the morning, as the central entrance to the library faces east, and you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise.

Kusadasi resort and the town of Selcuk

Now, near Ephesus (20 km) is the Turkish town of Kusadasi. This is a very popular resort and one of the main stops for cruise liners. To Ephesus from Kusadasi can be reached in 25 minutes by bus (dolmushe). The small town of Selcuk is much closer, almost near Ephesus (only 3 km). There are a lot of historical sites in Selcuk: the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, the Church of Sts. St. John the Divine, Isa Bey Mosque and Ayasuluk Fortress, and the house of the Virgin Mary is 8 km from Selcuk. Inspection of all these sights along with Ephesus will take more than a day, so if you are more interested in cultural activities, it’s better to stay in Selcuk.