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Archaeologists have found a Byzantine trading and gastronomic zone in Ephesus 1,400 years ago.
Scientists say the area was destroyed suddenly, probably around 614 BC. Exactly at that time there was a second earthquake, which partially demolished ancient Ephesus. The new discovery sheds new light on the process of degradation of the once notable city.
Ephesus is one of the best-preserved cities of the ancient world. It was founded as one of 12 Ionian villages in Asia Minor probably between the 11th and 14th centuries BC. Due to its proximity to the Aegean Sea, Ephesus developed very quickly as a port and trading center.
What caused the decline of ancient Ephesus?
For hundreds of years the region was under strong Hellenistic and later Roman influence first. Many majestic buildings were built there, including the temple of Artemis (considered one of the seven wonders of the world), the odeon, the Great Theater, the Library of Celsus, and the gate of Heracles. In the third century, the city became the target of invasions by the Goths, who sacked it completely in 263. This period also saw the silting up of the river mouth, leading to a change in the coastline and a move away from the sea. Thus came the beginning of the end of Ephesus’ splendor.
