June 3 - Ephesus and Temple of Artemis

Most people who hear the name of Ephesus think of bible stories involving this great city.  The Greeks built this city in about 1000 BC where it became know as a center of worship for the Anatolian Mother Goddess, Cybele.  It is under the Romans that it becomes a great Aegean port.  The ruins we saw are from this period.

Ancient water pipes.

 Heading toward the Library of Celsus built AD 114-117.

 Temple of Hadrian in the background below.

 Steps leading up to the terraced houses.  It is hard to see as the houses are in great disrepair.

 Temple of Hadrian.

The public toilets - for men only. 

 There were four statues in the niches at the front of the Library of Celsus.  They were Sophia (wisdom), Arete (virtue), Ennoia (intellect) and Episterne (knowledge). 

On to the Ephesus Museum.  There were so many exhibits to see.

 They did have glassware.

 There two very famous statues of Artemis here.  They both are not very beautiful, rather strong and fertile.  Those things that look like eggs are breasts to show her fertility.

 The bust of Julia Paula, 3rd century AD.

Just liked his expression - and it was a rare intact statue.

And finally the remaining ruins of the Temple of Artemis. 

 With a closeup of the storks and their nest.