Ephesos

Ephesus was city of the Roman province of Asia, a litlte inland from the western coast of Turkey. With an artificial harbor accessible to the largest ships, it became a leading port that attracted commercial development. It was a Roman "free trading zone" as early as 133 BC.

 

Due to its strategic location, it became an important political and religious site, including for the Jewish people. And in year 391 Christianity became the official religion. The city became the most important trading center in the Mediterranean region.

 

The ruins of Ephesus as of today contains a number of ancient facilities. The most famous is the Library of Selsus. it is about 180 m2, and is believed to have held around 12,000 scrolls.

 

As any other Roman settlement, there is an amphitheater. a large multi-seat public toilet with plumbing, as well as a house of pleasure. Some of the streets are lined with mosaic tiles.