Tag: Ephesus

The Commerce, Culture, and Faith Center of the Ancient World

Ephesus stands as the most precious legacy of the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations—a city that thrived as the commerce, culture, and faith center of the ancient world. It remains the most important surviving among the twelve Ionian cities.

According to some sources, Ephesus was initially founded by Amazons, while others argue that it was established by Leleks or Carians. Some historical accounts suggest that human habitation in this region dates back to 5000 BC. Regardless of its origin, everyone agrees that the first city was built at the confluence of the Meander River (Kaistros) with the sea.

Ephesus, initially a significant center in politics and commerce, later transformed into a religious hub with the arrival of figures such as Virgin Mary, St. Jean, and St. Paul. Captured by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, the city prospered, reaching a population of around 250,000. Despite