The history of the Library of Celsus has been shaped by extensive excavation, restoration, and conservation work from the early 20th century to the present day. Thanks to the dedication of pioneering archaeologists such as Rudolf Heberdey, Josef Keil, Franz Miltner, Volker Michael Strocka and Hermann Vetters, and well-established institutions such as the Austrian Archaeological Institute, this ancient building still stands today and attracts millions of people around the world.
The Library of Celsus is not just a library; it is a monument that reflects the cultural heritage of the Roman Empire and the value placed on knowledge in the ancient world. Let’s take a look at The Legacy Of Celsus Library Excavations and Restorations. Also, let’s have updates about the latest status update on Celsus Library restorations.
Early Works of John Turtle Wood (1869)
The beginning of systematic archaeological research at Ephesus dates back to John Turtle Wood in 1869. Wood, a British archaeologist, was more focused on the search for the Temple of Artemis and did not go beyond making trenches in the area of the Library of Celsus.
Austrian Archaeological Institute Begins Excavations (1895, 1903-1904)
In 1895, under the leadership of Otto Benndorf, he began his work in Ephesus. This excavation, led by the Austrian archaeologist Otto Benndorf, revealed the front surface of the library and the sarcophagus of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, for whom the library is named. Later excavations in 1903 and 1904 partially uncovered the façade of the library, and some original sculptural fragments were transported to Vienna. Rudolf Heberdey and his team, who took over the work after Otto Benndorf, uncovered the basic building blocks and architectural elements of the library. Rudolf Heberdey’s excavations revealed the importance of the building in the ancient world and introduced the Library of Celsus to the world of archaeology.
A Tale of Modern Restoration (1970 – 1978)
In the 1970s, a major restoration project was initiated under the leadership of German archaeologist Volker Michael Strocka and Austrian architect Friedmund Hueber. During the restoration process, Turkish, German and Austrian archaeologists and architects collaborated to reorganize the library close to its original form.
The restoration work lasted until 1978 and resulted in the library’s current appearance. In this extensive work, the missing parts of the library were completed and the original sculptures, which had been transported to Vienna, were replaced with exact replicas.
This restoration work not only revealed the original appearance of the Library of Celsus, but also the architectural and artistic heritage of the ancient world. The monumental marble façade, which was built for the function of a mausoleum and library, was redesigned in detail in the light of archaeological finds and documents and restored to its present appearance.
Aftermath Of The Great Izmir Earthquake (2020)
Following the October 30, 2020 Izmir earthquake, several tests and evaluations were conducted on the Celsus Library to assess its structural integrity. While the initial results indicated that the Celsus Library had withstood the earthquake without significant structural damage, the tests revealed minor vulnerabilities in certain areas of the façade and the masonry.
Latest Reconstruction And Preservation Works (2024)
A major check was carried on the Celsus Library at the beginning of 2024. Some micro cracks were discovered on the north wing of the library. These micro cracks could be a problem in the future if left unattended. A group of Turkish and Austrian archeologists carried the reinforcement and repair works. Library was closed for the touristic visits between 24th of September and 30th October. You can visit the Celsus Library without any restrictions today.
Get Your Local Tour Guide To Learn More About Celsus Library Of Ephesus
The legacy of Celsus Library excavations and restorations is a topic which can take you through the old and the new stories of Ephesus. I love the library as the place where archeologists of different nations and cultures cooperated. Come and visit Ephesus with me to learn more on Celsus Library. Contact me to hire a professional, licensed, experienced tour guide for Ephesus. See you soon, Hasan Gülday.
