Entertainment was also a part of the ancient time in Ephesus and this is clearly evident with the structure of the Grand Theater of Ephesus. This is located in the slope of the Panayir hill and is opposite the Harbour Street. It can easily be seen whenever you are entering from the south entry area within the ancient city. The Grand Theater was constructed during the Hellenistic Period. But when the Roman period began, its entire structure was enlarged and was formed into what it looks now. Ephesus Theater is considered as the largest in Turkey or the ancient times Anatolia. It has a cavea that is constructed with 66 rows of seats and are divided into 2 diazoma along with 3 horizontal sections.
Within the vicinity of the theater, the seats are divided into 3 sections. Through the lower sections, marble pieces were used for its restorations. This is the section where the Emperor’s box is found. The seats designed with backs and are also made from marble were usually reserved for people who are important in the society while the upper part of the cavea is where audience can enter. While your private tour guide explains the story and the history of the theater, you will be able to take photos or videos.
The stage of the Grand Theater of Ephesus is also 3-storied and has a height of 18 meters. It's façade that is facing the entire audience is ornamented with various relieves, columns along with niches,statues and windows. In the orchestra area, there can be found 5 door opening wherein the middle door is designed to be the widest. This gave the stage an appearance of being bigger that how it really is and gives it a unique monumental look. Aside from using the Theater of Ephesus for plays and concerts, the grand theater of Ephesus is also used for political, philosophical and religious discussion. Furthermore, it was also used for animal and gladiator fights that are set by administrators for entertaining the people of the ancient times.
Fly from Istanbul to Izmir and explore the marvels of Ephesus & around privately.
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Celsus Library
Celsus Library is one of the finest buildings in Ephesus. The two-story building contained over 12,000 hand-written books, making it one of the largest library collections of its time.
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“Eight of us on 12 night Mediterranean cruise arranged a tour through Ephesus Tours and were fortunate enough to be met at the cruise terminal by Gonca Kizilhan, a.k.a. Rosie, the most wonderful tour guide in all of Turkey! She was so knowledgeable, was able to answer any question asked of her and had the most pleasant personality.”
