Ephesus ( Kusadasi)

 After Rhodes yesterday, I wasn’t sure if we would top the sights but sure enough Today looks to be as good if not better.

Our welcoming committee this morning

The city is means bird island and this sculpture represents the pigeon island name.

What a beautiful shoreline!

Ah! More ancient ruins today! Ephesus is about 30 minutes out side the city. Along the way we saw more ruins and heard stories about their origin.

Entering the city of Ephesus, we immediately come across ruins leading into the stadium. 

Partial archway. This was a city of over 250,000 people in the 10th century BC. The city came under Roman control in 129 BC. The temple of Artemis  (designated one of the 7th wonders of the ancient world) is located here. Anthony and Cleopatra honeymooned here, St. Paul lived here and addressed his letter to the Ephesians in the stadium here. St John may have written his gospel here and was here with Mary the Mother of Jesus. Ephesus is one of the seven cities mentioned in the book of Revelations. No way getting around it, this place is filled with Biblical history. Then of course there’s the Temple of Hadrin and the Greek Gods… This is another spectacular ancient visit!

Ancient litter!  These are all stones and pillars found on site.

Walking along this grove of trees we had no idea of what we were going to se. It was outstanding!

A peek through the trees at the stadium

This stadium was used until recently for concerts and events.. It was when Sting sang here that it was so loud and the jumping was so strong that the decision was made to stop having concerts here any more!

The walk way to the stadium. The venue held 2400 people.

Can you imagine listening to Paul speak here? Or sting singing?

The view from the nosebleed seats.

We were treated to a show recreating Marc Anthony and Cleopatra while visiting Ephesus on their honeymoon and hosting gladiator games in the stadium

The roads are solid marble blocks,worn smooth.

Everywhere there is a collection of marble columns and blocks

See the worn ruts? Years and years of chariot wheels

Can you imagine streets of marble?

Inscribed rock

Gladiator portrait

The marketplace with the library in the background

The library of Celsus was one of the big three libraries of the ancient world.and was believed to have over 12000 scrolls.

Of course this city had Roman Baths and then around the corner was the brothel. Sandwiched in between was the latrine…..

Business was conducted while using the latrine.. 

A nice fountain to distract from the noise…

The brothel rooms are on the other side of this wall.

The statue of Medusa , temple of Hadrian

The temple of Hadrian dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian who came to visit the city.

The center head os that of Hadrian

Carved house numbers?

Same here?

 

The street of the market

Our happy faces

Beautiful Poppies abound!

Our visit to Ephesus was spectacular. 

When we returned to town, our guide took us to a Turkish carpet store so we could see how they make carpets and perhaps buy one….We knew ahead of time this was going to happen and knew we weren’t interested.. They framed it as a “Viking approved” activity but we had been told onboard it was not and not to feel pressured to buy…it was an interesting experience!

 the silk worm cacoons

Looking closely you can see the threads all coming off as they are being pulled to make a thread.

A loom set for a three by five rug

Tying the knots.. can be up to 1600 knots per square inch. The more knots/inch square the more expensive

A variety of available rugs I did not buy…I’m trying to get rid of stuff not get more! Afterwards we walked around the Grand Bazaar and window shopped.

Many of the steps were painted colors 

We found a Bridge Club!

An interesting tattoo store

The stop here was a fun day and we really enjoyed it. The weather has cooled some..65-70 degrees and sunshine. Tomorrow evening we dock in Istanbul…..