During our two week vacation in Turkey last month we spent a few days visiting Ephesus. This ancient Greek city later became a major Roman city and the second largest city in the world, with a population of more than 250,000 in the 1st century BC. What was amazing about seeing it, however, was how much has been preserved over time, so that you get a remarkable sense for what city and home life was like. In particular, the Terrace Houses, ancient apartments, are being completely reassembled, allowing you to walk around inside these luxurious homes once inhabited by wealthy Ephesians. Come on in.

Entering The City

As you walk into the city, you can't miss the huge amphitheater. Built by the Greeks for theater, they were later enlarged by the Romans to hold "games."

Walking down main street!

We loved seeing this couple get their wedding photos taken in 90 degree heat.

Greek and Roman everywhere....

I just loved this shot outside the Terrace Houses

The Terrace Houses

Entirely covered in a huge shell of milky fiberglass, the Terrace Houses are protected from the heat and constantly being restored. You have to pay extra to get in to see them. It's worth it.

This map shows all the houses in the complex.

There are many houses (apartments) clustered next to one another which you walk through. This is the first you come upon and one of the richest. Note the marble walls which are all being put back into place.

Beautiful Walls

Ancient Plumbing

This is the description of the bathroom in the following picture. Amazing.

Beautiful Floors

Flying Back To Istanbul

Good Links:

• Traditional Gulets: The Best Boat Vacation in Turkey Ever
• Ephesus via Wikipedia

Images: Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan

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