Ephesus - Oct 2

On Friday we visited the ruins of Ephesus, once the Roman capital of Asia Minor with a population of around 250,000. The city was founded by a general of Alexander the Great sometime in the 3rd century BCE. It became a bustling trade city due to a flourishing port. Over the time, the port silted in and by the 6th century the city was in decline.

The sea used to come right up to the city, now it is near the far mountains in the upper right corner of the photo, which looks over government buildings
This was main street about 2000 years ago

The library of Celsius
Four maidens are carved in stone, and each represents a different virtue. Below is the maiden Sophia, or Wisdom.
Above, the Gate of Augustus, leading to the market. Below, pillars from the market.
Ahh yes... the theatre. Large enough to hold 25,000 spectators, and is still used today. A close up of the intricate stage
If you squint, you might see the sea way off in the distance.
Ongoing renovations make for a funny juxtaposition of eras. The Romans certainly never had the power cranes we've got today; one has to appreciate the sheer amount of human labor that went into constructing such a city.

Another main street
The Church of Mary (pictured below and in the two photos above), built a bit later than most of Ephesus. I don't have detailed information about this site, but it was a neat place with a good feeling. They say St John brought Mary to Ephesus 3 or 4 years after the death of Jesus. I imagine there may be a connection between her presence here and the construction of this church.

Karel on the left and PJ on the right, back at the hostel. Good kids, those Belgians.