Just a little more on Ephesus!

Well, I just can't resist a little more on Ephesus! I've been holed up in the apartment sick for the last four days, so I have nothing else to write about anyway! (By the way, before I got sick, it was November, and I was still enjoying swimming every day! And the evenings are getting much nicer. Finally, the best time of the year is here, climate-wise!)

Ephesus

Okay, can you stand another history lesson? Ephesus has actually occupied three different sites on the west coast of Turkey. It was originally built as a port city on the sea. A nearby river deposited so much silt that it built up the land and changed the coast line. They moved the city inland, but the land between the city and the shore was a marshy swamp that attracted mosquitos and death. They finally moved inland even farther, and built up the city on the surrounding hills, which gave them some unusual architecture. The ruins of Ephesus today stand five miles from the ocean--one of the things that contributed to its demise and abandonment so many centuries ago.

Terrace Homes

They are currently excavating a section of homes built for the more affluent citizens of Ephesus. There are currently five homes uncovered. It was really interesting to walk through them and get a glimpse into their decor, lifestyles, and artistry. You can see below the process they use to excavate the ruins. We actually climbed up about three stories of steps as the homes themselves "climbed" up the side of the mountain. They have excavated only a small percentage of the ruins, so here is a look back in time!

The picture to the right should also help give perspective of the size of the rooms.

This is a large room on the lower level You can see bits of the marble still attached to the wall, used as a covering for the bricks. The marble varied in color, which tells us that it was imported from more than one location--at great expense, I am sure! Every time I see a Roman ruin, I am reminded that the more things change, the more they stay the same! I see the same architectural elements that we still use today, many of us without any idea where they came from!

Dining Room with frescoes on the wall and marble tile emulating a carpet design

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Mosaic of Lion on floor

Wall fresco on wall--reminds me of wallpaper!

And now for my favorite picture. Even though there were obvious pagan symbols and pictures throughout the city, the Ephesians did one thing to demonstrate the effect of Christianity on the community. These crosses can be found all over the city as well, chiseled into columns and pediments everywhere after their conversion!