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EPHESUS ANCIENT CITY

Location   Information   History   Chronology   Excavations in Ephesus   Ephesus Pictures   Ephesus Museum

 

Magnesian Gate East Gymnasium Early Christian Basilica St Luke’s Grave Bath of Varius State Agora Temple of Isis
Hydrekdocheion Basilica Odeon Temenos Prytaneion Domitian Square Temple of Domitian
Fountain of Pollio Memmius Monument Hercules Gate Curetes Street Fountain of Trajan Terrace Houses Scholastica Baths
Temple of Hadrian Latrines Octagon Brothel Heroon Hadrian's Gate Celsus Library
Gate of Mazeus Commercial Agora Temple of Serapis Marble Road Theatre Theatre Gymnasium Arcadian Street
Harbour Gymnasium Harbour Baths The Double Churches Stadium Vedius Gymnasium    
 

Prytaneion

 

 

Behind the basilica is the Prytaneion, where religious ceremonies , official receptions and banquets were held. The sacred flame symbolizing the heart of Ephesus was kept constantly alight in the Prytaneion. The construction of the building dates to the 3rd century B.C, during the reign of Lysimachos, but the ruins of the complex dates to the Augustan age.

The four-cornered pit in which the sacred fire is burned is a relic from the reign of Lysimachos. The front of the building is four columns, beyond the columns is a courtyard surrounded by a portico, and on the north is the center of the building, the ceremonial hall, and its side rooms. The eternal flame was here in the center of the ceremonial hall, the red color on the floor determined the location of the flame. Towards the back, there was a large area with wooden roof, the base of an altar is still recognizable today.

The double columns on the corners of the hall held up the wooden roof. During excavations, archeologists found 2 artemis statues, which are now presented in Ephesus museum.