Ephesus is one of the Western world’s finest examples of a classical ancient city. Originally a Greek city, built in 1000BC, it became a center for the worship of Cybele, the Anatolian Mother Goddess. The ruins of today date from the 4th century BC and the city founded by Lysimachus, successor to Alexander the Great. However, it was under the Romans that Ephesus became a major port on the Aegean. Ephesus played an important role in the spread of Christianity, as two great Councils of the early church were held here, in AD431 and 449.
We have posted tours that explore Ephesus and its environs to give you an idea of the possibilities.