Exploring Extraordinary Excavations at Ephesus

Saturday September 28, 2024

Kusadasi, Turkey

Fun Facts About Turkey

• Oil wrestling is one of Turkey's national sports. It is one of the oldest sports in Turkey and has been held competitions annually since 1346.  The sport is similar to regular wrestling, except here, the competitors are covered head to toe in olive oil. There are no mats either – the matches all take place in an overgrown grassy field inside a stadium – and more than a dozen fights take place simultaneously, each with their own referee.

• Turkey is a self sufficient country in terms of agriculture. They can supply all the fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains the country needs. And they also have strong agriculture export businesses for items such are olives, hazelnuts, and tree fruits.

• Turkish women could legally leave their husbands if their husbands didn’t give them coffee! Turkish coffee was considered so important during the Ottoman Empire that Turkish women had the legal right to leave their husbands if they didn’t supply their favorite beverage.

  
  

Our cruise continues today with a visit to Kusadasi, which is a seaside town on the Aegean Sea. This cruise, on the Viking Sea, focuses on Ancient Mediterranean Antiquities which means we are visiting a lot of places that were important in Greek and Roman History from 1000s of years ago. For example, Ephesus, which is located near Kusadasi, is believed to have be founded in the 10th century BC. The discovery and restoration of these historic areas like Troy and Ephesus gives us a glimpse into the life and times of the people who lived then and whose lives and work impacted the development of civilizations that exist today. We can ponder why these areas once thrived and then faded away?

Driving to Ephesus we passed through countryside that is similar to Southern California, with similar hills, vegetation and a beautiful shoreline. We passed groves of olive trees and quince trees, date palms and grassy areas. With the blue sea water in the district we felt right at home. That is until we turned a corner and started seeing ancient greek and roman ruins!!! We don't see those in San Diego!

The restoration of Ephesus began in the 1860's, focusing on the Temple of Artemis, and continues today. In fact, historians believe that only about 10% of Ephesus has been excavated. Even at 10%, Ephesus is both inspiring and overwhelming at once. The amount of areas and buildings excavated truly gives a visitor a feeling of what the city would look like, how the families lived and carried out their daily lives. We walked in on the original road, made of a combination of marble and other stone pavers. Columns and walls were close enough to touch, and some areas were closed off because more excavations were happening. In so many ways it really is an immersive experience. Because Ephesus is so awe-inspiring, it is also packed with tourists!

This view is looking down the main road to the library:

The following pictures are in order as you walk down the hill. The first picture below is the remains of the Prytaneion which housed a perpetual flame that symbolizes the hearth in the home of every citizen. The Prytaneion was close to the places where the leaders met and conducted business.

The Fountain of Trajan (named for Emperor Trajan 97 - 117 AD)

Temple of Hadrian (named for Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD)

Library of Celsus

Harbour Street (leads out of Ephesus toward the harbour)

The Grand Theatre - had a capacity of 24,000 and was used mostly for music, plays, and gladiator fights.

Another interesting fact we learned on our excursion was that the Turkish tend to use Cypress Trees to plant in cemeteries because the roots grow straight down and don't disturb the graves.

Another important piece of history related to Ephesus is that the Apostle Paul was born in Turkey and spent time in Ephesus. It is said that the Apostle John brought Mary to this area to live out her life in peace. But more on that later!

Good Bye Kusadasi!!!

On our way to Rhodes, Greece!