Ephesus, Bodrum & the South Aegean - Discover Turkey: Experience the Best of Turkey - page 327

Further down are the brothel ruins. Some experts believe that visiting sailors and mer-
chants simply used it as a guesthouse and bath, which of course would not necessarily ex-
clude prostitution services.
The ornate, Corinthian-style Temple of Hadrian honours Trajan's successor. One of
Ephesus' most famous attractions, it originally had a wooden roof and doors. Note its
main arch; supported by a central keystone, this architectural marvel remains perfectly
balanced, with no need for cement or mortar.

TERRACED HOUSES
(Yamaç Evleri; admission " 15) The Terraced Houses are well worth the additional " 15. The
roofed complex contains (at present) seven well-preserved Roman homes. In dwelling 2,
keep an eye out for wall graffiti: these hand-scrawled images include everything from pic-
tures of gladiators and animals to names and love poems. The colourful mosaics, painted
frescoes and marbles provide breathtaking insight into the lost world of Ephesus and its
aristocracy.

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MARBLE STREET
Ephesus' third-largest street is currently closed due to excavations. Instead, you'll cross
the Lower Agora , a 110-sq-metre former textile and food market that once had a massive
colonnade.
After exiting, you'll see the Great Theatre . Originally built under Hellenistic King
Lysimachus, it was reconstructed by the Romans. Seating rows are pitched slightly steeper
as they ascend, meaning that upper-row spectators still enjoyed good views and acoustics.
The theatre could hold about 25,000 people.

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HARBOUR STREET
Formally the Arcadian Way, Harbour St was built by Byzantine Emperor Arcadius (r AD
395-408) in an attempt to revive the fading city. It greeted visitors after they patronised
the Harbour Baths . Look for the high column at the arcade's end to see how far inward
the sea reached in those days.
After exiting the Lower Gate, the ruined Gymnasium of Vedius (2nd century AD) had
exercise fields, baths, toilets, covered exercise rooms, a swimming pool and a ceremonial
hall. Further along is the contemporaneous Stadium .

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