The story of the foundation of Ephesus according to the legend
According to ancient historians, the tradition of Ephesus’ founding dates back to before the Ionian invasion. Androclus, the son of Codrus, the fabled King of Athens, consulted the oracle on where to settle or found a settlement, as was usual in ancient times. The solution was simple: “in the location suggested by a fish and a wild boar.” After landing in Anatolia, colonists were camped near there and frying fish. A flaming fish caught fire to a bush, forcing a boar to rush out of the bush and flee. The colonists opted to settle there after remembering the oracle’s remarks.
To discover and witness history, take a look at our private guided tours of Ephesus.
If you wish to learn more before taking our tours, follow this link.
OLD PHOTOS FROM THE ANCIENT REGION
SIRINCE VILLAGE
Located 6 miles away from Selcuk town, popular village. First inhabitance dates back first century. The early christians from Ephesus
ISA BEY MOSQUE
Archeologists mention that there is a possibility of an Apollon temple in the place where the mosque was built. It
GROTTO OF 7 SLEEPERS
The Seven Sleepers, commonly called the “Seven Sleepers o Ephesus”, refers to 7 early christians who lived in Ephesus in
The Rich History of the Basilica of St. John
Located in the ancient city of Ephesus in modern-day Turkey, the
An overview of the Ephesus Museum
Ephesus Museum is a treasure trove of ancient history and artifacts. Located in the city of Selçuk, near the ruins
THE ARTEMIS TEMPLE
The Artemis Temple or Artemision was one of the Seven Wonders of the World and located in Ephesus. Throughout the
Get to Know about the Sacred House of Virgin Mary
The House of Virgin Mary is a sacred site located just outside the ancient city of Ephesus in modern-day Turkey.
THE NYMPHAEUM OF TRAJAN
The Nymphaeum of Trajan is a 2C AD building with two stories built by an Ephesian in memory of the
THE HERCULES GATE
The Hercules Gate can easily be identified by two reliefs of Hercules wearing lion’s skin. The pillars date from the
THE HADRIAN TEMPLE
The Hadrian Temple was built in the 2C AD and renovated in the 4C ad in the name of the
THE GRAND THEATER
The Theater is one of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus. It was originally a 3C BC Hellenistic theater which
TERRACE HOUSES
The Terrace Houses on the Curetes street belonged to the rich people of Ephesus. They date back to the 1C
STATE AGORA
The State Agora was a vast public square laid out and remodeled during the reign of Augustus (27 BC-14 AD).
THE CELSUS LIBRARY
The Celsus Library was built in the beginning of the 2C AD by Gaius Julius Aquila to be a memorial
ODEON
The Odeon in Ephesus was built in the 2C AD and had a double function. First it was a theater
DOMITIAN TEMPLE
During the Roman period, Ephesians erected many buildings and temples, and dedicated them to emperors in order to secure good