Ephesus

Normally for me the hardest part of a post is figuring out how to start. However, for this post it was trying to narrow down the pictures!

Ephesus was at one time one of the huge port city and connector of several large trade routes between the East and West. It was home to the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World.

It played a huge role in the beginnings of Christianity–and is thought to be where the Gospel of John was written and is where the apostle is buried. It is the city where Paul wrote 1 Coronthians and the city is cited in Revelations.  All around the city, signs of Christianity could be found.

The excavations of Ephesus are massive and ongoing, unearthing history back to when the city was started in the 10th Century BC. We visited on an overcast and rainy day. However, that did not dampen the spirits of the masses of visitors seeking to look upon the ruins of old, especially the Great Library, which is considered modern-day Ephesus’ crown of glory.

And sights we saw winding down the well worn stones to the library facade did not disappoint!

As per usual, the amphitheater was huge–and while originally created for plays, with the Romans also came the Gladiators.

Overall, it was an amazing day–even if I did end up shackled!! Of course, April will tell you that I happily volunteered…and well, she wouldn’t be wrong! ;- )