Ephesus: The Ancient City in the New Testament

The city is laid out along a downhill street (Curetes Street) starting at the top right corner and makes a right turn past the Temple of Hadrian. From the Celsus Library and Mazeus and Mithriadates Gate the road goes north to the huge Theater along the Marble Road. The road then turns left (west) which is called Harbor Road and led to the mouth of the then harbor of Ephesus. Paul would have first entered the city by land, the eastern gate.

Epehesus City Gate at the top of the hill, the road goes downhill from here

Inland entrance to Ephesus

Artemis or Diana; Worshiped by the Romans & Greeks

The Rostra, where Paul faced a trial

Commercial shops, Demetris, the silversmith, would probably have had a shop in the area.

Relief of Artemus (Diana)

Varius Baths

Harbor Road, led to the Kucuk Menderes river and to the Aegean Sea. The port was just beyond the end pillars. The river-bay silted up and the sea is now 5 km from Ephesus.

The State Agora...where Paul preached the gospel

Varius baths

State Agora

Odeion, small theater used mainly for political meetings and close to the State Agora. It was build in the 2nd century BC and the roof was made of wood. There were enough seats for 1500.

Odeion, meeting place for politics

Greek inscription on the base of a pillar

Pollio Fountain Located to the south of the State Agora it was built in 97 AD by the rich Ephesian, C.S.Pollio. Water was brought to the fountain by aqueduct and distributed from fountains by a plumbing system of ceramic pipes.

Fountain of Pollio Constructed near the Temple of Domitian

Temple of Domition

Temple of Domition A two story building along the Marble Street, containing warehouses and shops on the 1st floor, dedicated to the Emperior Domitian

Temple of Domition

Temple of Domitian

Temple of Domition

Domitian Square

Monument to Memmius