My Life in Ruins. No, that's just a name of a movie. But today, my life was in the ruins of Ephesus. If you thought you knew everything there is about Christianity, you would have just discovered you've only uncovered the tip of the iceberg. The city dating back to BC, is only 12% excavated. The Turkish government with archeologists are doing on-going excavations. By the time they're done, the next civilization will be excavating our bones and ruins.
Imagine walking down the same street as the Apostle Paul did on his journey to Ephesus, Turkey. The main road was a thriving center during that time and you can still see remnants of it including the detailed mosaic sidewalks that survived to date. At the end of the main street is the Library of Celsus; the third largest library of the ancient world behind Alexandria and Pergamum. To get this close, walk up the steps, touch the columns was a surreal experience. Truly one of those AAA (Amazing Ancient Archeolgical) sites in Turkey.
Ephesus was a thriving port city and the capital with a population of 250,000 until Emperor Constantine declared Constantinople (Istanbul) as the new capital. As a result, Ephesus' population, commerce and political hold declined and was eventually abandoned around the 7th century AD. Contrary to what many people think, Istanbul is not the capital of today's modern Turkey - Ankara is. We are based in a resort town of Kusadasi. A cruise ship (some days 2 or more) comes in every morning and 3,000 to 6,000 + people come pouring into town and surrounding sites, then "poof!" they disappear by dinnertime. There's a bustling nightlife for remaining tourists like us staying in hotels and the young locals. My life is no longer in ruins.
Trajan Fountain in Ephesus. This temple was dedicated to the Roman Emperor Trajan. Only his foot on top of a globe remain (underneath the temple gate) of his sculpture which signifies he was on top of the world. It also proves that people in the 2nd century knew that the world was round.
The Goddess Nike. Nike was the goddess of victory. We were told that apparel giant Nike got their inspiration from her. Can you find the "swoosh?"
Concert Hall Theater - The advanced engineering of these theaters allowed the speaker to address the crowd without amplification. Imagine the Apostle Paul delivering his speeches here. The bleachers were originally covered with marble. After the city was abandoned, marble slabs, columns and such were reused in other structures
Public toilets also functioned as social gathering places for men. There's a platform nearby where musicians played. But the music wasn't for aesthetics; it was to drown out the noise when all 48 toilets were in use. Sitting on cold marble can be quite shocking so servants were usually sent in advance to warm them up. How'd you like that job?
The road the Apostle Paul walked. This the main drag was filled with a marketplace and commerce, leads through the city to the Library of Ephesus (building in the distance)
Temple of Hadrian - There's a head of Medusa on the rear arch to scare away evil spirits.
The Library of Celsus - This was the third largest library of the ancient world behind the libraries in Egypt and Perganum.
The Library of Celsus - This was the third largest library of the ancient world behind the libraries in Egypt and Perganum.
Wild poppies grow amongst the ruins. Life somehow finds a way to emerge out of bleak coditions and adversity - a lesson to take to heart.
Women making flatbreads.
Funny Sign Post
The Kusadasi shoreline - Kusadasi is a cruise ship port and resort town near Ephesus.
Fruit cart vendor selling seasonal picks
Sunset cruises can be had for 10 Turkish Liras (that's only 5 bucks U.S.)
Proof we were in Turkey. Turkish flag flying directly behind us.
A mega cruise ship or two comes in each morning and docks at Kusadasi Harbor. I saw quite a few locals like this one in Istanbul and Kusadasi wearing Hawaiian shorts.
Ladies Beach in Kusadasi - Not exclusively for ladies; it's just the name of the beach.
Fully clothed Muslim women enjoying the beach like everyone else. Who needs sunblock?
Spooning men - how else are you going to fit three guys under one umbrella?