Discover the Grand Theater of Ephesus and Top Destinations in Ephesus with an expert tour guide and a TripAdvisor Winner for 12 consecutive years.
The Grand Theater of Ephesus
Ephesus Theater
The Ephesus Theater stands as a testament to the architectural evolution from the Hellenistic to the Roman period, undergoing multiple renovations during its construction that spanned 60 years. A defining characteristic of Hellenistic theaters was their location on hills, while the Roman innovation of free-standing massive walls is evident in the structure. Accommodating an impressive 25,000 individuals, the Theater of Ephesus boasts 24,000 seats and 1,000 standing places, making it the largest theater in Asia Minor. Originally two-storied, the theater was later expanded to three stories. Beyond its use for dramatic performances, the theater served as a venue for various social, political, economic, religious events, and even gladiator games, reflecting its multifaceted role in ancient society.
The name "Theater" is deeply rooted in the Greek term "Theatron," meaning "the place to observe." In ancient theaters, the half-circle area where the audience sat was known as the "orchestra," while performances took place on the stage structure named "Skene." During the Hellenistic period, Skene buildings were two stories high, later expanding to three stories in the Roman era to enhance audience focus on the plays. The seating area, known as the cavea, and the round access sections called "Diazoma," provided a structured layout for spectators. In this historical context, performances were held during the day, with admissions charged for entry. Notably, small coins served as tickets, indicating where spectators were seated. Interesting to note, by the mid-1st century, gladiator games found a place within these theaters, adding a new dimension to the theatrical experiences of the time. This theater is also mentioned in the New Testament Acts Chapter 19. A riot started against Paul in 56 AD. The riot started by a silversmith by the name of Demetrius provoked his fellow-craftsmen to a public outcry against Paul, with the cry "Great is Artemis of Ephesians". He did it because he thought this new religion could ruin their businesses. They made their living by selling statues of Artemis to pilgrims visiting there from far and wide. A major riot started against Paul. Paul tried to enter the theater but his companions did not let him do. He was sacked from the city of Ephesus. Few months later he was in the city of Miletus and asked the elders of Ephesus to join him there after making a farewell speech. He went back to Jerusalem where he got arrested. He claimed to be judged by the Roman Emperor since he was a Roman citizen. On the way to Rome his ship was wrecked in Malta. Before he got executed in Rome, he wrote the letter to Ephesians and the 2 letters to Timothy who was one of the companions of Paul in Ephesus. Concerts at Ephesus TheaterThe theater of Ephesus is still used today. The ancient theater of Ephesus has been the site of numerous concerts by well-known singers. Still concerts take place in the Theater of Ephesus. Here are some of the performers who have gave concerts at the stage of Ephesus Theater.
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Harbour Street
Ephesus Harbour Street
Harbour Street, also known as Arcadiane, was a great collonnaded avenue which was renovated at the beginning of the 5the century AD in honor of Emperor Arcadius. It was half a mile long and 36 ft wide leading from the harbour to the theater. It was paved in marble and had shops behind the colonnades. The two pedestrian
walks in the colonnades were 16 ft wide and paved with mosaics. At night the Arcadiane was lit by torches, making Ephesus, along with Rome and Antioch, one of the three ancient cities known to have had street lighting. Somewhere in the middle of the avenue stood a monument of four Corinthian columns probably erected in the 6th century AD which supported the statues of the four gospel writers. Whoever came with ships had to walk on the Harbour Street to enter Ephesus. The street housed many important names like Cleopatra, Mark Anthony, Augustus, St. Paul, John the Apostle and possibly Virgin Mary.
Harbour Gymnasium was one of the 4 gymnasiums of the city. Probably the largest one since it is called "The Great Gymnasium" by the Ephesians. According to some historians, boat passengers and crew were first required to bath in these Harbour baths before proceeding to the Arcadian way to enter the city. These baths also functioned as a quarantine for disembarking boat passengers.
walks in the colonnades were 16 ft wide and paved with mosaics. At night the Arcadiane was lit by torches, making Ephesus, along with Rome and Antioch, one of the three ancient cities known to have had street lighting. Somewhere in the middle of the avenue stood a monument of four Corinthian columns probably erected in the 6th century AD which supported the statues of the four gospel writers. Whoever came with ships had to walk on the Harbour Street to enter Ephesus. The street housed many important names like Cleopatra, Mark Anthony, Augustus, St. Paul, John the Apostle and possibly Virgin Mary.
Harbour Gymnasium was one of the 4 gymnasiums of the city. Probably the largest one since it is called "The Great Gymnasium" by the Ephesians. According to some historians, boat passengers and crew were first required to bath in these Harbour baths before proceeding to the Arcadian way to enter the city. These baths also functioned as a quarantine for disembarking boat passengers.
Church of Mary in Ephesus
Church of Mary
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It is the first church named after Virgin Mary which was ordered by Emperor Constantin. Before it was converted to a church, the building was used to stock wheat. The third ecumenical council in 431AD was held here. The councils aim was to put an end to the controversies concerning the divinity of Christ and the sanctity of the Holy Virgin. Council ruled that God was one being, though two natures the Father and the Son, and that the Virgin Mary was truly the mother of Christ (Theotokos - god bearer). In the 7th century church fell into ruin. Byzantines raised a new church on very same site, For this reason the basilica has been named as "The Double Church"
In the early times of Christianity, churches were dedicated to the people who lived and died in the same province. Since this was the first church dedicated to Virgin Mary. It makes people think in regards of the possibilities of Virgin Mary living in Ephesus. An inscription dating back to third ecumenical council was also found saying thet "we are writing from the house where our mother Mary lived and died. |
