Ephesus “Under the Roof”
This album is dedicated to a walking tour through the Terrace Houses of Ephesus. This topic deserves a discussion of its own, as I think you will see.
Related album: Ephesus City Ruins.
From the time of Augustus, these dwellings of wealthy Ephesians were decorated with beautiful wall paintings and mosaics. The houses had lavish bedrooms, bathrooms, formal dining rooms, and kitchens with running water. Built against the hill at the southern edge of Ephesus, the roof of one house formed the terrace for the one above. Rising above street level and adjacent the majestic Library of Celsus, I can just see the real estate flyer for a house in this “neighborhood” …
“For those with discriminating taste, this Home in the desirable Terraces offers magnificent city views and splendid, luxurious living.”
These “condominiums” of unabashed opulence were home to Ephesus’s “rich and famous” until the 7th century AD. The incomparable experience of walking through the Terrace Houses lets you literally feel what society was like in the Bible days, when this city was one of the dominant centers of the world.
CLICK FIRST PHOTO BELOW TO START SLIDE SHOW.
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- Under the roof … This multi-story marvel is now protected from the elements.
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- Our tour just beginning, we had no idea of all that we were about to see.
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- The marble surface pieced together in this incredible restoration project.
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- Are you into jigsaw puzzles? Imagine piecing together the unearthed remains of these centuries old structures. Note all the blue cases of “puzzle pieces.”
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- The terraces were multi-story structures stacked on top of each other. We wander through all levels on walkways that afford wonderful views, while protecting the ancient residences from thousands of tourists feet.
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- These homes didn’t skimp on square footage. Not sure what this room was, but an 80-inch big screen would get lost in here.
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- Every residence was lavishly decorated with frescoes, where fresh, moist plaster is painted with pigments dissolved in water.
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- A perspective, giving you an idea of the size of the structure.
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- Evidence of indoor plumbing.
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- The definition of “opulence” … Don’t miss the lion in mosaic tiles on the floor.
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- Incredible detail
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- Words escape me.
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- Evidence of redecorating: one fresco laid over another.
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- Exquisite mosaic tile art on the floor
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- Plumbing behind the walls
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- A lavishly decorated hallway
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- Closeup of the hallway mosaic
