10 Most Important Cornerstones in Ephesus History

Ephesus Ancient City was not just a big city, and actually once it was the second-biggest city in the Roman Empire. Ephesus served as a nexus between Asia and Europe. Being on the most western point of Asia Minor made Ephesus an extremely well located city. Ephesus faced many eras and changes throughout time. I tried to count 10 Most Important Cornerstones in Ephesus History for you. I hope you will find it interesting, and I hope this article will be greatly helpful before your Ephesus trip.

1. Founding by Ionian Greeks (10th century BC): The city was founded by Ionian Greeks from Athens, establishing it as a Greek city-state. Androclos the Greek hero is noted as the founder and the first king of Ephesus.
2. Temple of Artemis: Construction of the first Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, began in the 6th century BC. This temple turned Ephesus into a major pilgrimage point in the ancient Greek and Roman world.
3. Persian Rule (6th century BC): Ephesus came under Persian rule after the Persian Wars. Occupation of Ephesus by Persians was triggered by Ionian Revolt in 499 BC. Ephesus and its allies played an important role in this revolt against the Persian Empire.
4. Alexander the Great’s Conquest (4th century BC): Alexander the Great conquered Ephesus, marking the beginning of the Hellenistic period. It would not be a long shot to say that Ephesus as we know as an influential and rich city began after the Hellenistic conversion of Ephesus.
5. Roman Rule (1st century BC): Ephesus became a significant city under Roman rule, experiencing a period of great prosperity and growth. Maybe the most important event happening was Ephesus becoming the capital city of Asia Minor State of the Roman Empire.
6. Construction of the Library of Celsus (2nd century AD): This impressive library, dedicated to Celsus Polemaeanus, became a symbol of Ephesus’s cultural and intellectual significance. This library became a significant meeting point for intellectuals and leaders of Ephesus.
7. Christian Era (1st-4th centuries AD): Ephesus became a significant center of early Christianity, with the Apostle Paul and Saint John the Evangelist spending significant time in Ephesus. Their disciples like Timothy slowly converted Ephesus into a Christian city following their departures.
8. Decline and Abandonment (5th-15th centuries AD): Due to silting of the harbor and various other factors such as malaria, Ephesus gradually declined and was eventually abandoned. Time took over, and the city got slowly covered with sand.
9. Archaeological Discoveries and Restoration (19th-20th centuries AD): Extensive archaeological excavations and restoration efforts have brought the ancient city back to life. The first excavations started by British and later taken over by Germans and eventually Austrians.
10. Modern-Day Tourism: Ephesus is now a major tourist destination, attracting more than two million visitors each year who come to marvel at its ancient ruins and rich history. Now it is your turn to join these people and have your personal Ephesus experience!