Ephesus: Ancient Christian Centre [Repost]

Over its long and varied history Ephesus has been home to numerous civilizations, from its role in founding the Ancient Greek Ionian League in tenth century BCE, to its prominence…..

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February 1, 2019

Ayasofya Muzesi’s history as a church [Repost]

The Hagia Sophia is actually the third of three churches that have been built since the first “Great Church” was inaugurated on February 15, 360 CE by Emperor Constantius II……

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November 21, 2018

Ephesus sites: Library of Celsus [Repost]

With an estimated excavation of only 15% Ephesus is believed to contain one of the largest collections of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean. Those ruins that are visible can…..

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October 28, 2018

The founding of Ephesus [Repost]

While Ephesus’ history as a city is usually traced back to its founding as one of the twelve ancient Greek cities which comprised the Ionian League (circa 10th century BCE),…..

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October 21, 2018

Ephesus and the Roman Empire [Repost]

Incorporation of Ephesus into the Roman Republic proved tumultuous as taxes rose and the treasures of the city were systematically plundered – a practice that would contribute to the Vespers…..

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June 10, 2018

Ancient ruins: Efes (Ephesus), Kusadasi [Repost]

After a few days in Istanbul, we started out our cruise with the first port of call in Kusadasi, Turkey. We’d been looking forward to this stop having read about…..

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May 28, 2018

The decline of Ephesus [Repost]

After the destruction caused by the Goths in 263 CE the city lay in ruin for over a hundred years. Not until the reign of emperor Constantine I in 395…..

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March 28, 2012

Istanbul Sites: The “Weeping Columns”

While many go to the Ayasofya to take in its majesty, some go with the sole purpose of sticking their finger in the building’s “weeping column” in hopes that their…..

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November 12, 2011

Cruising Ephesus & Athens

Yesterday, we enjoyed a relatively slow day at sea after a whirlwind tour of ruins at Ephesus and in Athens. We say ‘relatively’ because we spent part of our day…..