The ancient city of Ephesus (Turkish: Efes), located near the Aegean Sea in modern day Turkey, was one of the great cities of the Greeks in Asia Minor. Ephesus, located 600km (373 miles) southwest of Istanbul, is one of the grandest and best-preserved ruins of the ancient world. According to evidence dating from around 1400 BC, the Hittites were the first to settle the site, which they named Apasas.
From the entrance at the Eastern gate of the city, there is the Eastern Agora, Odeon, the Temple of Domitianus, Polio Fountain, Trajan Fountain, Scolastica Bath, hillside houses, the Temple of Hadrianus, Celsus Library, Lower Agora, Marbled Street, Grand Theater, Arcadianus Avenue and the Church of the Virgin Mary. Near Ephesus is the house of the Virgin Mary.

The archaeological probes launch in 19 century in Efes. With searching the wreckages of the Temple of Artemida. At this the first parts of the ancient city are being struck. After the ending of 19 century major austrian antiquaries from the austrian archaeological institute hold ruins and unveil huge parts of the city, largely public buildings, but Large private homes, between that so called “houses of the southern dim hill brae” in which worthwhile tessellations are being found.

One of the most amazing ruins in Efes is the huge amphitheatre with a 24.000 seat capacity and superb acoustic effects. The ruins also include a gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus.The nearby town of Selcuk is dominated by a Byzantine citadel which stans close to the 6th century basilica of St. Jhon, supposedly built on the site of the apostle’s tomb.The 14th century Isa Bey Mosque, next to the basilica is accessed through its typical Seljuk portal.

The Efes museum which houses many of the artifacts, artwork, and statues found in the Ephesus site. Particularly interesting was the exhibit on the gladiator graveyard. Archiologists had discovered the graveyard a few years back and were able to determine many of the gladiator’s causes of death. A part of the site, St.John’s Basilica, was built in the 6th century AD, under emperor Justinian 1 over the supposed site of the apostle’s tomb. It is now surrounded by a Turkish town, Selcuk.