Ephesus Archaeological Museum

Statue of Artemis at Ephesus Archaeological Museum

​The two best finds exhibited in the Ephesus Archaeological Museum are the marble statues of Artemis. One is from the first century AD and the other from second century AD. Rows  of egg-shaped marble pieces on the goddess's chest have been interpreted differently as breasts, eggs, grapes or dates. In 1978 a new interpretation suggested that these pieces on the goddess's chest were bulls' testicles offered  to her on feast days as symbols of fertility. Later excavations proved that the  bull cult was really important. Similarly to Mother Goddess of Anatolia, she has  two feline animals standing next to her. 

Head of Socrates is dating back to 4th century BC. Socrates had 2 wifes and he was constantly having arguments with his  first wife who was a very mean woman. Socrates blessed her bachelor friends by  saying "Get yourselves a wife: if she is good' you will be happy' if she is bad, you will become a philosopher" 

Places to visit:

• House of Virgin Mary
• ​Temple of Artemis
• Basilica of St. John
• Sirince Village
• Isa Bey Mosque
• Grotto of Seven Sleepers
• Terrace Houses of Ephesus
• Ancient City of Ephesus:
• Magnesia Gate

• East Gymnasium
• State Agora
• Basilica, Odeion
• Prythaneion
• Memmius Monument
• Domitian Temple
• Hercules Gate
• Curetes Street
• Hadrian Temple
• Scholastica Baths
• Latrines 
• Celcus Library
• The Brothel
• Commercial Agora
• Marble Road 
• Theater 
• Harbour Street
• Church of Mary 
• Ephesus in Bible
• House of Virgin Mary
• Temple of Artemis
• Basilica of St. John
• Terrace Houses
• Sirimce Village
• Isa Bey Mosque
• Grotto of 7 sleepers​

Ephesus - Sardis Milestone at Ephesus Archaeological Museum

An intriguing archaeological find near Ephesus is the milestone bearing the possible city name "Sardes" inscribed on its top, marking the distance along the Ephesus-Sardes road. These types of stones were used in ancient times as milestones to indicate road distances. This milestone, housed at the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus, signifies a milestone, not just in distance, but also in historical significance. The discovery of such artifacts provides valuable insights into ancient civilizations and their transportation networks, shedding light on the vibrant past of the region. The careful preservation and study of milestones like this one contribute to our understanding of the region's cultural and historical heritage, making it a noteworthy piece for historians and enthusiasts alike.

• ΣΑΡΔΕΩΝ: Sardeon
• ΣΤΑΔΙΑ = Stadia (unit of distance)
• ΤΕΤΡΑΚΟΣΙΑΔΕΚΑ (tetrakosiadeca) = four hundred ten

The distance indicated 410 stadiums in total.
Since 1 stadium ≈ 185 meters:
410 stadia ≈ approximately 75–76 km.


Ephesus Archaeological Museum is reconstructed in 2014 and is open everyday.
Cost of admission for Ephesus Archaeological Museum is 10 Euro per person.