The findings obtained in this region where the native people, namely the Lelegians and the Carians have lived since the beginning, indicate that the city is dated back to 2000 years B.C. As far as the years of 1000 are concerned, it is assumed that the Ions came to this region, lead by Androckles. Ephesus was captured by the Kimmers (Cimmerians) in the 7th century B.C., by the Lydians in 560, and later in 546 B.C. by the Persians; and was rescued from the Persian domination when Alexander the Great defeated the Persians in 334 B.C. Lysimachos, a commander of Alexander’s, had the settlement removed from the whereabouts of the Temple of Artemis to the location between the Mount of Panayir and the Mount of Bülbül, and had a wall built around the city. The city was taken by the Kingdom of Pergamon after 190 B.C., by Rome in 133 B.C., and later by Byzantium, Ephesus maintained its importance during the period of Christianity, and the apostle St. Paul arrived there during the years of 50 A.D. It is also a known fact that St. John was buried on the hill of Ayasuluk (Selcuk) at the beginning of the 2nd century. Ephesus lived through its third glorious period during the reign of Justinianus in the middle of the 6th century A.D. and, at this time, the Church of St. John was built on the hill of Ayasuluk by the Byzantine emperor.
The ruins of Ephesus, situated near Selcuk are centers of interest owing to the ancient remains that are still existent. When you enter through the Magnesia Gate from above you see the State Agora (or Upper Agora). The Temple of Isis is situated at the center of the Agora, and Stoa is placed on the North side of it. The Odeion (Bouleterion) with a capacity of 1400 persons is placed behind it and the Prytaneion (Town Hall) where the sacred fire used to burn, is on its flank. The Baths of Varius are placed on the east side of Odeion. On the west of the Agora, the Monument of Memmius built in the 1st century B.C., the fountain of C. Sextilius Pollio built in the year 93 A.D., and the Temple of Domitian (81-93 A.D) are placed. On the south of the Agora, the fountain of Laecanius Bassus is situated. The Curetes’ Street starts downwards from the Temple of Memmius. The Gate of Heracles is placed on this avenue. After passing through this part, the fountain of Trajan built in the years 102-114 is seen on the right hand side and after this, the Temple of Hadrian appears in front of us, in all its splendid beauty (117-138 A.D). The Scholastica Baths, built in the 4th century A.D., are situated behind the Temple of Hadrian. The houses of the rich people of Ephesus which were in front of it, have been restored and opened for visits at present with special permits.
At the corner formed by the Curetes’ Street and the Marble Road, the House of Love (Pornaion or Brothel) is placed and the Library of Celsus, restored and reestablished in recent years, stands right in front of this. The library which had been built in the name of proconsul Gaius Celsus completed in the year 135 A.D. by his son Tiberius Giulius Aquila, is entered by way of a stairway, 21 m in width and having 9 steps. The southeastern gate of the Trade Agora opens to the Library of Celsus. Emperor Augustus' slaves, Mazaeus and Mithridates, liberated by him had this gate built in the year 1st c. A.D.; it comprises three sections and has been restored today. The Corinthian columns of the Stoa encircling the Trade Agora with the dimensions 110 x 110 m, are standing erect today. The Temple of Serapes built in the period of Antonine (138-192 A.D.) is placed behind the Trade Agora.
One of the magnificent buildings of Ephesus is the theater, largest in Asia Minor, which had a capacity of 24.000 people and is in a rather well preserved condition. The construction had started during the Hellenistic period but it could only be completed during the time of Trajan (98-117 A.D.). International festivals,concerts and cultural activities are celebrated in this theater today. St. Paul was dragged into this theater to face the crowed, but rescued by the security corps of the city.
The Port Avenue extends in front of the theater. The avenue is 11 m wide and 600 m long, and it has been called Arcadian Street because it was renewed during the time of Arcadius. All the streets of Ephesus were illuminated at night with oil lamps, this shows us the richness of the city. On the whole north side of the avenue, there are the Harbor Gymnasium, baths and the Theater Gymnasium. The avenue that passes along the front of the theater, extends towards the Stadium built during the Nero period (54-68 A.D.) and towards the Vedius Gymnasium. The Church of the Virgin Mary built at the beginning of the 4th century A.D. is situated behind the Port Gymnasium before the exit. This was also the meeting place of the 3rd Ecumenical Council.