Ephesus - The Aegean Coast - Cities and Towns in Turkey - Turkey - Home
The Agora |
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| The Agora, an
open-air market, was originally built in the 1st century B.C. Over the
next couple of years it became pretty much a place of disrepair. At the
beginning of the 3rd century, It was repaired by the Emperor Caracalla.
However, not long after this was accomplished, it was reduced to more or
less the state we see it in today by a great earthquake in the 4th
century. When it was active, it was the largest centre of commerce in
the city. Foodstuffs and all sorts of manufactured goods were bought and
sold here. The shops were arranged along the colonnades and opened into
vaulted storerooms at the back. A water clock and sundial were placed in
the middle of the agora. This market area is also known as the "Square Agora" because of its dimensions 360 ft square. It arose in the Hellenistic period and was surrounded on all sides by arched shops about 40 ft deep. It is located between the harbor and the library and was the city's main commercial center. It is quite possible that Paul worked here with Priscilla and Aquila in their tent-making business. |
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The Agora looking from the
Gate of Mazaeus and Mithridates.
The location of the theatre is in the right background near the crane.
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The shops were arranged along the colonnades and opened into vaulted storerooms at the back. The arched shops were about 40 ft deep. Looking at the picture at the right, imagine a roof from the lintels along the side of the hillside to the top of the arches. There may have been a bit of an overhang at the front out over the steps to provide some shade for the customers. These shops would be permanent. In the center of the marketplace there may have been open stalls and carts. These would have been placed around the water clock and sundial and laid out with walkways. There were also quite probably a fountain or two for both refreshment and the washing of produce. |
CLICK HERE for
additional photos of Ephesus
and
HERE for photos of some of the intricate
detail work to be found in Ephesus.
| It is best to visit Ephesus with a good
guide - especially if it is your first visit. Although there are many licensed,
official tour guides, I believe that Can (John) Yigit is one of the best. One of
the main reasons is, not only does he love this place, but he worked here beside
the archeologists when he was in college. And, is very personable. His English
is excellent and he makes the place come alive with his narrative. Contact
information is as follows: Can Yigit Gsm +90 532. 426 63 35 Tel +90 256. 612 83 30 email: guidecan68@yahoo.com P.O. Box 152 09400 Kusadasi / Aydin / Turkey Here
are a couple of comments about John. |
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