Ancient City Ephesos-Library of Celsus

The origins of Ephesus date back to the Late Chalcolithic period around 5000 BC, long before Greek settlers arrived in the region in the 10th century BC. The city, which in antiquity was located directly by the sea, shifted inland over the centuries due to sedimentation and seismic activity. After conquests by the Lydians and Persians, Ephesus moved to its current location under Lysimachus in 296 BC and became a significant port city. Under Roman rule, Ephesus developed into one of the largest and most important cities of the empire, although the early decades were marked by tensions that escalated in the Ephesian Vespers massacre in 88 BC. Despite a severe earthquake and plundering by Goths in the 3rd century AD, the city recovered and maintained its position until late antiquity. Ephesus also played an important role in early Christianity, as the Apostle Paul worked here and the 3rd Ecumenical Council took place here in 431 AD. In the 7th century, Sassanian and Arab invasions ended the ancient phase, and the silting of the harbor led to a gradual loss of importance. After its conquest by the Seljuks in 1090 and a turbulent history under Byzantine and Turkish rule, Ephesus finally fell to the Ottomans in the 14th century.

The ancient city of Ephesus-Celsus Library is located in Selçuk, in the İzmir district of the Aegean region of Turkey, at an elevation of approximately 11 m above sea level.

The impressive remains of the ancient city of Ephesus, including the Celsus Library, are now accessible to visitors and can be explored.

• Ancient City of Ephesus-Theater (Ancient Buildings), approx. 0.2 km away
• Ancient City of Magnesia on the Maeander-Gymnasium (Ancient Buildings), approx. 18.5 km away
• Ancient City of Magnesia on the Maeander-Stadium (Ancient Buildings), approx. 18.6 km away
• Ancient City of Magnesia on the Maeander (Ancient Buildings), approx. 18.9 km away