Ancient Ruins – Ephesus, Turkey
Line BreakAuthor: Kathryn Frengs (350 Articles)
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One of the most amazing places that I’ve had the opportunity to visit is the site of ancient ruins in Ephesus, Turkey. Located on the west coast of modern-day Turkey in an area that used to be an ancient Greek city, Ephesus (or Efes in Turkish) was for many years the second largest city in the Roman Empire, behind Rome. With many majestic structures still standing since the 10th century BCE, Ephesus has become a very popular destination for tourists seeking a glimpse of the ancient world and these fantastic sites. I had the good fortune to visit as a student and the place made an impression on me that has lasted for years!
Photo credit: Alaskan Dude
Starting with the most magnificent of the remaining structures, the Library of Celsus building facade stands tall and hints to its former enormity from the 1st century. Though it was once flanked by many other structures, the library serves as a model of its era, as it’s one of the best preserved examples of a Roman library in existence today. It was built to store over 12,000 scrolls but also served as a tomb for wealthy and powerful local resident Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus for whom the library is named.
Photo credit: HBarrison
Throughout the site, remnants of ancient structures and public artwork is still visible, luckily not bearing too much wear from increased tourism in the area.
Photo credit: lyng883
Besides the library, the theatre was one of the most memorable parts of my visit to Ephesus. Thought to be the largest ancient theatre in the ancient world, the seating capacity is well over 40,000. Back when I visited, we were allowed to climb the stairs to the top seats and look down onto the stage. Some of my classmates even put on their own “gladiator show” on the stage and we could hear and see them from all the way up at the top! I’m not sure if visitors are still allowed in the theatre – can anyone confirm this?
Photo credit: Levork
Though obviously not as grand as the other structures, the public toilets also left a huge impression on our group of teenagers. Part of it was childish silliness, but clearly these toilets were advanced for their time as they were an example of early plumbing. There obviously wasn’t much allowance for privacy, but it’s amazing that these toilets are still standing, thousands of years later.
I would love to go back to visit Ephesus to see what has changed since 1997, and appreciate it with “adult” eyes.
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