Ephesus is one of the most important and best-preserved ancient cities in the world, located in Selçuk, a district of Izmir, western Turkey.
🔹 History:
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Founded in the 10th century BC.
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Home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
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During the Roman era, it had a population of around 250,000, making it one of the largest cities in Asia Minor.
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It was a major center for commerce, science, art, and religion.
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In the 5th century AD, it became important to Christianity (believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary).
🔹 Key Structures:
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Library of Celsus
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Great Theatre (holds 25,000 people)
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Marble Street
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Temple of Hadrian
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Agora (marketplace)
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Remains of the Temple of Artemis
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Terrace Houses
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House of Virgin Mary (pilgrimage site)
🔹 UNESCO:
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Ephesus was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015.