Ephesus Ancient City: The Complete Travel & History Guide

Where is Ephesus? & Quick Overview

Ephesus ancient city is situated in modern-day Turkey. It lies on the western coast, near the present-day town of Selcuk in the İzmir Province. Historically, Ephesus was a major trading and religious center, known for its massive temple to Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), its large theatre, and the Library of Celsus. It played a significant role in the spread of Christianity, as evidenced by the Apostle Paul’s residence there and his address to the Ephesians in one of his epistles. Today, the Ancient City of Ephesus is a major archaeological site and a popular tourist attraction, offering insight into ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.

History of Ephesus

Prehistoric History of Ephesus

One of the highlights of our Private Ephesus Tours is, of course, Ephesus Ancient City. We should know that Ephesus is not just an ancient city visited today; it is also a living testament to its past. During the latest excavations by Ephesus archaeologists, mounds called Cukurici and Arvalya were discovered in the region, dating back to approximately 6000 BC. Then, for now, we can say that the history of Ephesus began in 6000 BC. Now, let’s set aside the prehistoric periods of Ephesus and continue the chronological history of Ephesus.

The Amazon Period and the Origin of the Name Ephesus

According to legend, if we ignore the prehistoric period of Ephesus, it was founded by a group of Amazons, famous for their exceptional skills as great female warriors, who also had a great ability to use bows and arrows. It is widely believed that Amazon women were priestesses of Hittite origin. So initially, the name of the city of Ephesus was Apasas. Apasas was the name of an Amazon Queen and means Queen Bee in the Hittite language. This may be the reason why many of the coins unearthed during the excavations in the ancient city of Ephesus have a relief of a queen bee on one side. As you can guess, the name of today’s Ephesus is derived from the first name of the city, Apasas.

Greek History of Ephesus and the Story of Androclus

Ephesus was founded for the second time around 1050 BC by Androclus, the son of the Athenian king Codrus. The city of Ephesus, founded by Androclus, also has a well-known mythological story. Androclus, who wants to explore the other side of the Aegean Sea and establish a new city, visits the oracle in Delphi before embarking on his journey. Androclus asks the oracle where he should place the city. The oracle tells Androclus to set the city where you sees the fish and the wild boar. After a long journey on the Aegean Sea, Androclus and his friends manage to reach the slopes of Ayasuluk Hill, which is within the borders of today’s Selcuk (Ephesus). One day, Androclus and his friends cooked and ate the fish over an open fire. However, this fire they burn causes a fire in the forest. Androclus sees the wild boar among the animals fleeing the fire and thinks the prophecy has come true. Thus, the location of the second Ephesus settlement is determined.

Persian Period of Ephesus and Alexander the Great

With the Greeks’ migration to Ephesus, which started with Androclus, the city became an Ionian city. The Ionians ruled in Ephesus for about 500 years. In 560 BC, Croesus, the king of Lydia, captured the city, but he only ruled for 16 years. Because the Persian invasion started in 546 BC. Persian domination in Ephesus continued until 334 BC. In 334 BC, the savior of the Ionians, the Macedonian king Alexander the Great, defeated the Persians in the battle of Granicus.

Reconstruction of Ephesus by Lysimachus

Ephesus, which had become an Ionian city again, was relocated to its current location by the order of Alexander the Great, issued by his commander Lysimachus in 295 B.C. The reason the city was relocated to its current site was that the previous settlement area became swampy and the port became unusable. Also, epidemic diseases such as malaria emerged.

Renewing the Ephesus Port

Lysimachus not only dredged a new seaport but also founded a completely new city. This city, nestled between Mt. Koressos and Mt. Pion, was fortified with a 9-kilometer wall for protection. To underline the significance of this new port, Lysimachus ordered the destruction of the neighboring port cities of Lebedos and Colophon, relocating their residents to the newly established city, which was named Arsinoeia in honor of his wife. Through Lysimachus’s ambitions, Ephesus was revitalized and once again rose to prominence as the leading trade hub in Asia Minor, marking a new era in the city’s history.

Rise of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is located in the center of Selçuk/Ephesus. It’s only two kilometers away from Ephesus Ancient City. The site had two advantages: its geographic position, as a sheltered harbor on the Aegean coast of Anatolia, offered access to and from the interior, and it was also a place of pilgrimage for the worship of the Anatolian Mother Goddess of Fertility, Cybele. The Ionians, with their own goddess, Artemis, blended some of the attributes of the two in the development of the Ephesian Artemis.

Lydian King Croesus and Artemis

Ephesus continued to prosper as a City-State until King Croesus of Lydia conquered it in the mid-6th century B.C. Although forced to recognize the rule of Lydia, Croesus was regarded more as a friend than an enemy. One of his first acts was to give generously to the reconstruction of the Temple of Artemis.

To maintain control over the people, he forced them to abandon their fortified city, relocating them to level ground south of the Temple. Here, the city remained throughout the classical period, unwalled and militarily weak, yet still maintained an economically important harbor and the Sanctuary of Artemis.

Roman Period of Ephesus

Almost all the structures you see in the Ephesus Ancient City today date back to the Ancient Roman period. The Romans settled in Ephesus without any bloodshed. So the King of Pergamon, Attalos, voluntarily left Ephesus to the Romans after his death (in BCE 129). Ephesus was declared the capital of Asia Minor by Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. Ephesus reached its most glorious period during the Roman Empire. The city’s population reached 250,000 people. Of course, there was a reason why Ephesus was a very significant city throughout history and was constantly attacked. The reason is very simple, being a harbor city and its location, which made Ephesus the trade center between East and West.

Mithridates’ Bloody Massacre in Ephesus

Dissatisfied with the unjust taxes imposed by their rulers, the Ephesians made a critical miscalculation by aligning themselves with Mithridates of Pontus against Rome in 88 B.C., participating in the “Ephesian Vespers,” a brutal event where thousands of Roman citizens in the city were slaughtered. However, as fortunes began to shift unfavorably for Mithridates, Ephesus adeptly changed its loyalty back to Rome, thereby becoming the Roman capital of Asia. This critical decision marked the beginning of the golden age of Ephesus, a remarkable era of prosperity that lasted for approximately 300 years, coming to an abrupt end with the destruction caused by an earthquake in the early first century A.D.

Christianity Period of Ephesus

St. Paul and St. John’s Visit to Ephesus

Ephesus was rebuilt in the Roman style. The continued dredging of the seaport maintained its commercial importance. In keeping with its importance as a religious center, Ephesus emerged as an early hub of Christianity. Although the cult of Artemis remained strong, the Christian community became one of the most powerful in the East.

How long was St. Paul in Ephesus?

St. Paul spent at least two years preaching and writing in Ephesus during his third missionary journey. St. John also settled there. The sacking of the Artemision by the Goths in 263 A.D. was essentially the end of the power of Artemis. Although the temple was restored, the worship of Artemis had given way to Christianity.

Christianity Rises in Ephesus

Continuing its importance as a religious center, Ephesus underwent a renewed building program of religious structures, particularly the Church of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus and the Basilica of St. John at Ephesus, during the Byzantine era. In 431, the 3rd Ecumenical Council met in the Church of the Virgin Mary to condemn the Nestorian heresy. A second Council of Ephesus followed in 449.

Article Suggestion: Christianity in Ephesus, Turkey

Fall of Ephesus

Silting of the harbor again plagued Ephesus. By the 7th century, most residents had begun moving to Aysoluk Hill, near the magnificent church of St. John, which was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. Walls and a citadel were constructed as protection against Slav and Arab invasions. In 1090, the settlement was occupied by the Seljuks, but it was restored to Byzantium a few years later during the First Crusade.

By this time, the name Ephesus referred only to the city of the plains, while the Byzantine settlement clustered around the Church of St. John was known as Hagios Theologos. Falling to the Turks in 1304, the settlement became known as Aysoluk, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of Ephesus. By 1390, Aysoluk had fallen into the hands of the Ottoman Empire. With the growth and development of the Izmir Port (Smyrna), Aysoluk, later renamed Selcuk, was reduced to the status of a small village.

Documentary Tour 4k: History of Ephesus Video

ℹ️Information for Visitors

What to See in Ephesus in One Day?

1. Library of Celsus: This ancient Roman building, the third-largest library of the ancient world, is one of the most iconic structures in Ephesus, originally built to serve as both a mausoleum and a library.
2. The Great Theatre: This impressive theatre, capable of seating 25,000 spectators, was used for both drama performances and gladiator fights during the Roman period. It’s also historically significant for early Christian history, as it’s believed to be the site where the Apostle Paul preached against paganism.
3. Temple of Hadrian: This temple is dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, a Roman Emperor who visited Ephesus from Athens in 128 AD. The temple features beautiful architectural details and reliefs, including a frieze of the mythological foundation of Ephesus.
4. The Odeon: A smaller theatre used for meetings and performances, seating about 1,400 people. It provides insight into the city’s cultural life.
5. Terrace Houses: Located opposite the Hadrian Temple, these houses provide a fascinating insight into the daily lives of Ephesus’s wealthy residents. The houses are well-preserved and feature beautiful mosaics and frescoes. (Extra Ticket Required).
6. Ephesus Archaeological Museum: Although not located in the ancient city of Ephesus itself, but nearby in Selcuk, this museum houses many of the artifacts found during excavations in Ephesus. It’s a great place to understand the context and significance of the ruins you see on site. The Beautiful and the Great Artemis statues are the must-see pieces of the museum.
7. Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though today, only a single column remains of this once magnificent temple. It’s worth visiting to contemplate the scale and significance of the sanctuary in ancient times.
8. St. John’s Basilica: According to Christian tradition, Saint John the Evangelist wrote his gospel here. The ruins of this basilica are a short drive from Ephesus and offer panoramic views of the area, including the remains of the fortress on Ayasoluk Hill.
9. House of the Virgin Mary: This sacred site is believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. Located on the top of Bulbul Mountain, just a few kilometers from Ephesus, it attracts both tourists and pilgrims. The small stone house is revered by Christians and Muslims alike and has been visited by three popes who have recognized its spiritual significance. The site includes a chapel, the house itself, which is now a place of worship, and a spring believed to have healing properties. Visitors often tie their wishes or prayers on the wishing wall near the house.

🎫What is the Entrance Fee for the Ephesus Ancient City?

The entrance fee for the Ephesus Ancient City is 40 Euros per person. Children under the age of 8 are admitted free of charge. To verify their age, please ensure you bring along their passports. Ephesus tickets can be purchased using both Visa and Mastercard as acceptable forms of payment.

Please click the link below to display the current entrance fees for the attractions around the Temple of Artemis. https://www.bestephesustours.com/ephesus-entrance-fees.html

⌛What is the Opening Hours of the Ephesus Ancient City?

From April 1 to October 1, the Ancient City of Ephesus is open to visitors every day between 08:00 and 19:00, including weekends (Box Office Closing Time: 18:15).

From October 1 to April 1, it opens every day between 08:00 and 18:00 (Box Office Closing Time: 17:30).

Please click the link below to display the current opening hours for the attractions around the Ephesus Ancient City. https://www.bestephesustours.com/ephesus-opening-hours.html

Entrances and Route Tips

Most travelers start at the Upper Gate (near the Odeon) and walk downhill past the Curetes Street, Hadrian’s Temple, the Latrines, the Terrace Houses (optional, requiring a separate ticket), and the Library of Celsus to the Great Theatre, exiting at the Lower Gate. This route is easier on the legs and optimized for photography.

Why Consider a Guided or Private Tour

A licensed tour guide can bring ancient ruins to life by explaining inscriptions, customs, and the history of the ancient structures, as well as other historical details. Best of Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi is well-suited for cruise schedules, allowing you to skip the line and customize your route. You can focus on topics that interest you, such as Roman art, early Christianity, urban planning, or daily life in ancient times, and ask questions at any time.

👍For Ephesus tours departing from Kusadasi, İzmir, or Istanbul, you can contact us via WhatsApp, email, contact form, booking form, or by calling us directly.

How far is Ephesus from Istanbul, Izmir, and Kusadasi?

• From İstanbul to Ephesus: The distance is approximately 565 kilometers (around 351 miles) by road. The journey by car can take around 7 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken. Alternatively, one can fly from Istanbul to İzmir, which is much closer (a 1-hour flight from Istanbul to Ephesus and a 50-minute drive from İzmir Airport to Ephesus by road) to Ephesus, and then travel by road to Ephesus.
• From İzmir to Ephesus: Ephesus is about 80 kilometers (about 50 miles) away from İzmir. The road trip usually takes around an hour, making it an easily accessible location from İzmir.
• From Kusadası to Ephesus: The distance is much shorter, approximately 20 kilometers (about 12 miles). It takes around 20 to 30 minutes to drive from Kusadasi to Ephesus, making it a top-rated day trip destination for tourists staying in Kusadası or cruise passengers.

Night Visit to Ephesus: Quiet Light, Timeless Atmosphere

Exploring Ephesus after sunset is a different kind of magic: cooler air, softer light, and fewer crowds. Marble streets take on a gentle sheen, and the Celsus Library looks theatrical under illumination. Please visit Ephesus Night Tours to join one of our tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

Video Guide: Best of Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi, Izmir, and Istanbul

Frequently Asked Questions

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• Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
• Commercial Agora in Ephesus Ancient City
• Best of Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi Port and Hotels
• Christianity in Ephesus – St. John and St. Paul
• Detailed History of Ephesus: Rise and Fall

If you would like to explore Ephesus Ancient City with Best Ephesus Tours, you can reach us at the links below.

Private Ephesus Tours from the Port of Kusadasi and Hotels.

Private Ephesus Tours from the Port of Izmir and Hotels.