Ephesus - The Aegean Coast - Cities and Towns in Turkey - Turkey - Home
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The Gate of Mazaeus and Mithridates |
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The Gate of Mazaeus and Mithridates is built almost entirely of marble. It was dedicated in 3 B.C. to Augustus and his son-in-law Agrippa by two rich freedmen of the city Mazeus and Mithridates. These two imposing gates leading into the agora constitute the finest example of restoration work carried out in recent years. Going through the gate you will be in the commercial agora. This agora (usually translated as “market place” but in this case more of a “town square”) was built in the first century CE under the Flavian Emperors as the site of the Roman state cult. It was here that the populous purchased most of their perishable goods and foodstuffs, along with a variety of other merchandise needed for everyday living. |
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The gate has the resemblance of a
three-arched triumphal arch. Allegedly, there is a piece of graffito
condemning those who urinated in that spot, even though it was located
quite close to the latrine! The reconstruction of the gate was only
completed in 1988. Missing parts were replaced with concrete and its
surface was plastered. Mazaeus-Mithridates Gate is
earthquake-proof like the Celsus Library.
To the left is a view through one of the arches towards the brothel and the hillside which, upon the left-hand side of the hill, sits the great theater. |
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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