Travel Back Two Thousand Years...
Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 10:02PM Our next stop the following day was the once-beautiful city of Ephesus. By this day, I was full-on tourist: I had my camera, my sunglasses, my bag, and my hat. And while cute sandals would have looked better, for a day of walking on dusty stone roads, my Converse had the job.
We were told up front on a couple of occasions that the ruins were not as grand as we might have expected; sometimes there just wasn't much left. We appreciated the honesty...at every turn.
Ephesus did not fall into the category of needing a warning regarding its lack of magnificence. This was an amazing site! I have many pictures that I think I will share some way or another, but too many to post them all here.
As we walked down the main road, which used to be for chariots rather than people on foot, we encountered the remains of the pillars that lined the road (and upon which rested the roof for the walkway which ran alongside the main road). It made me giggle when I turned and saw the people collonade too.
As we walked down the road, we saw to our right a long line of the ruins of many buildings, some were temples, some were fountains, and there were the Roman baths and latrine.
Cozy. (Except for the marble seats...they sent their slaves in to warm them up first.)
Important figures were carved into stone and set high atop columns to show their significance.
Here is the mosaic road that ran in front of the homes built along the way. The wealthier Ephesians lived there, and you cannot even believe what the homes were like until you have seen an example of one.
The highlight of the city is certainly the facade for the Celcus Library, which has been reconstructed. It is attached to the Gate of Augustus (to the right in this photo).
This is Mike and I standing in the arch of the gate with the library behind us.
We made our way over to the amphitheatre, which was kind of big.
Haha! It was splendid!
More pictures of Ephesus to come...it was captivating and impressive, something we'll not forget!
Reader Comments (2)
Oh my goodness you saw a lot. What a great trip for a history junkie.
Also?
That outfit is totally cute for touristy business and you look QUITE slender in it. ;)
I just read back a bit through your trip posts-sounds amazing! It's a trip I'd like to take one day.