EPHESSUS

 Ephesus, an ancient Greek city on the coast of Ionia is one of the greatest archaeological treasures on earth with the entire city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

The great city which went through endless transformations. over the years, as a result of earthquakes, wars and conquests was founded in the 10th century BC. on the site of the former capital by Attic and Ionian Greek colonists. During the Classical Greek era, it was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League.

The city was famous, in its day, for the Temple of Artemis completed circa 550 BC which was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. 

Its many monumental buildings included the Library of Celsus and a theatre capable of holding no less than 24,000 spectators.

Archaeologists estimate that the population of Ephesus was ten times that of the capacity of the largest theatre, therefore they believe the population of Ephesus was approximately 250.000 

Ephesus also had one of the "Seven Churches of Asia" referred to in the Book of Revelations  The Gospel of Saint John may also have been written there.  It was the site of several 5th-century Christian councils  

The city was destroyed by the Goths in 263 although it was rebuilt.  Its great importance as a commercial center declined as its harbor was slowly silted by the Meander river, 

In the year 614, it was partially destroyed by an earthquake and eventually abandoned, which was a blessing in disguise, as its ancient ruins lie in plain sight rather than being burried under the rubble.

Today the city of Ephesus is a huge draw for international tourists and scholars because of its ancient provenance and its many historical treasures. 

In 2015, the entire city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.