Ephesus was once one of the three largest cities of the Roman Asia Minor. The city was famed for the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The iconic Library of Celcius and the open-air theatre capable of holding 25,000 spectators are other highlights at Ephesus. The city had one of the most advanced aqueduct systems in the ancient world, with multiple aqueducts of various sizes to supply different areas of the city.
Major restoration efforts were made to the Terrace Houses located on the hill, opposite the Hadrian Temple. It gives us an idea of how the wealthier families lived in the ancient times. Most of the houses were two-storied with clay pipes beneath the floors and behind the walls carrying hot air through the house in the winter months. These houses also had hot and cold water.
Another ancient ruin of interest about 2 hours away from Ephesus is Pergamum. Pergamum was one of the most influential ancient cities in the Roman Empire. It was well known for its arts and innovation. They have the steepest theatre in the ancient world here as well as the world’s first psychiatric hospital.
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