Ephesus was at one time a major city until the silting of its once grand harbor caused its decline. The city is located 680 km. from Istanbul on the western coast of Asia Minor. (which is now in Turkey.)
Ephesus was formed sometime after 1000 BC. and was most known for an ancient cult which was dedicated to the goddess Artemis (Diana). It's a famous biblical city which can be read about in the Bible in Acts 19-20 in connection with Paul's ministry.
Ephesus has been ruled by many, including Croesus of Lydia, the Persians after 546 BC, and Alexander the Great in 334 BC .
It was at one time controlled by Pergamum, until it passed into Roman control in 133 BC.
The temple and parts of the city have been excavated, most of the remains being from the later Roman period.
Two disciples of Jesus Christ lived here, as well as Christ's mother in her latter years.
St. Paul was here for around six years preaching the new gospel, and St. John spent the last of his 100 or so years here writing the New Testament of the Bible and died here. In the 6th century, a basilica was built over his tomb on a hill called Ayasaluk.
The house in Ephesus where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her last years is called Panaya-Kapulu. It's not known for certain if this was in fact the house, but it is generally accepted as being true. It was found as a result of the vision of a German woman named Catherine Emmerich two years before her death. (1774-1824.) She had a revelation which had details of the home, and her information proved to be accurate. The house is a very popular Christian pilgrimage today.
It is the ruins of the old city of Ephesus which comprise Turkey's most stunning archaeological collection and keep tourism thriving. There are beautiful remains from the Temple of Artemis, the Gymnasium of Vedius, a stadium, baths, theaters, churches, fountains, and a great library. Guides will also mention the fact that it was the site of a brothel, and will point to the spot which indicates its locale.
