The Ancient City of Ephesus is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Originally a settlement, Ephesus was one of the largest and most magnificent cities in Anatolia during ancient times. Ephesus was a major centre for trade, culture, and religion. Structures such as the Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theatre were home to thousands of people at that time. The city, which was the capital of Asia and its largest port city, had a population of 200,000. Today, the ancient city of Ephesus, which is visited by thousands of local and foreign tourists every year, dates back to 6,000 BC!
Which civilisation does the ancient city of Ephesus belong to?
The ancient city of Ephesus is an important Greek city. During the Classical Greek period, there were twelve cities in Ionia, one of which was Ephesus. Recent excavations and research have revealed settlements from the Bronze Age and the Hittites in the mounds around Ephesus and on Ayasuluk Hill.
During the Hittite period, the city was called Apasas. Around 1050 BC, immigrants from Greece began to settle in the port city of Ephesus. By 560 BC, the city had moved to the area around the Temple of Artemis. The Ephesus that can be visited today was founded by Lysimachus, one of Alexander the Great's generals, around 300 BC.
When was the Ancient City of Ephesus built?
The Ancient City of Ephesus was built around 6000 BC. Although the first settlements date back to prehistoric times, the city's rise began during the Ionian period. Ephesus, which experienced its heyday during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, gradually lost its importance during the Byzantine period. This ancient city, which bears the traces of different civilisations over the centuries, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
