Memmius Monument, Ephesus
The Memmius Monument, located on the north side of Domitian Square, stands as a striking reminder of Roman power and legacy. Erected in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Augustus, the monument was commissioned by Memmius, a prominent citizen of Ephesus and grandson of the Roman dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla. The structure was intended to honor Sulla鈥檚 decisive role in liberating Ephesus from the control of the Pontic Empire during the Mithridatic Wars.
In 87 BC, King Mithridates VI of Pontus led a revolt against Roman rule, claiming the heavy taxation was oppressive and asserting the slogan "Asia for the Asiatic." In a violent uprising, Mithridates and his forces killed 80,000 Romans and seized control of the city. The Roman response came swiftly through General Sulla, who retook Ephesus and restored it to Roman rule. Sulla was hailed as a hero in the city, and his military success ensured that towns loyal to Rome during the occupation were rewarded. The Memmius Monument commemorates this crucial victory and the return of Roman authority.
Architecturally, the monument is a four-sided triumphal arch, originally featuring reliefs and sculptures that celebrated Sulla鈥檚 virtues and military prowess. Though many inscriptions have been lost over time鈥攑artly due to stones being repurposed in later constructions鈥攖he figures of Sulla and his son Caius, Memmius鈥檚 father, are still visible on the remaining blocks. Between the supporting columns are three staircases, and the monument's design once included detailed depictions of Roman soldiers and celebratory scenes of victory.
In the 4th century AD, long after the original monument was built, a square fountain was added to its northwest fa莽ade. This addition included four Corinthian columns and a narrow pool flanked by statue bases that once supported the likenesses of emperors Diocletian, Maximian, Constantius Chlorus, and Galerius鈥攈elping to date the fountain鈥檚 construction.
In 87 BC, King Mithridates VI of Pontus led a revolt against Roman rule, claiming the heavy taxation was oppressive and asserting the slogan "Asia for the Asiatic." In a violent uprising, Mithridates and his forces killed 80,000 Romans and seized control of the city. The Roman response came swiftly through General Sulla, who retook Ephesus and restored it to Roman rule. Sulla was hailed as a hero in the city, and his military success ensured that towns loyal to Rome during the occupation were rewarded. The Memmius Monument commemorates this crucial victory and the return of Roman authority.
Architecturally, the monument is a four-sided triumphal arch, originally featuring reliefs and sculptures that celebrated Sulla鈥檚 virtues and military prowess. Though many inscriptions have been lost over time鈥攑artly due to stones being repurposed in later constructions鈥攖he figures of Sulla and his son Caius, Memmius鈥檚 father, are still visible on the remaining blocks. Between the supporting columns are three staircases, and the monument's design once included detailed depictions of Roman soldiers and celebratory scenes of victory.
In the 4th century AD, long after the original monument was built, a square fountain was added to its northwest fa莽ade. This addition included four Corinthian columns and a narrow pool flanked by statue bases that once supported the likenesses of emperors Diocletian, Maximian, Constantius Chlorus, and Galerius鈥攈elping to date the fountain鈥檚 construction.
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Memmius Monument on Map
Sight Name: Memmius Monument
Sight Location: Ephesus, Turkey (See walking tours in Ephesus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ephesus, Turkey (See walking tours in Ephesus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ephesus, Turkey
Create Your Own Walk in Ephesus
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ephesus is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Ephesus Introduction Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles