Ephesus

Ephesus, an ancient Greek city located in present-day Turkey, was active as a city for several millennia. Its history can be traced back to the 10th century BC, and it flourished especially during the Classical Greek period in the 5th and 4th centuries BC. The city continued to be significant during Roman times, particularly from the 1st century BC to the 2nd century AD, when it was at its peak as one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire.

Ephesus maintained importance through the Byzantine era, up until the 15th century, although its prominence gradually declined due to the harbor silting up, leading to loss of its status as a major port. The city’s decline was furthered by the rise of other trade centers and geopolitical shifts in the region. By the time the Ottoman Empire came into power, Ephesus had largely been abandoned. However, its ruins remain a significant reminder.