State Agora, Ephesus
The State Agora in Ephesus, also known as the Upper Agora, is a significant ancient site that once served as the political heart of the city. Located in the southeastern part of Ephesus, the State Agora was distinct from the Commercial Agora, which was positioned in the northwestern part of the city. Initially constructed in the 4th century BCE on the grounds of an old necropolis, this transformation highlights the rapid expansion of Ephesus beyond its original boundaries. Archaeological excavations in its northeastern corner revealed graves from the 7th and 6th centuries BCE, along with an archaic terracotta sarcophagus, offering a glimpse into its past as a burial site. The square gained its urban structure during the Hellenistic and early Roman periods, with significant paving work carried out around 65 BCE by Timon, the agoranomos, or market overseer. The site underwent further renovations at the start of the 1st century CE, solidifying its role as a central space for public and political gatherings.
Spanning 160 by 73 meters, the State Agora was bordered by stoas鈥攔oofed colonnades鈥攐n three sides, while the western edge was marked by an ashlar wall with several monuments. These stoas, adorned with sculptures, provided shelter from the weather, allowing citizens to discuss political matters or attend philosophical teachings. Among the architectural highlights is the Stoa Basilica, a two-story structure with Ionic columns decorated with bulls' heads, symbolizing strength and sacredness. These heads also had a functional purpose, extending the architrave's support to allow wider spacing between columns. This basilica likely doubled as a place of worship, underscoring the Agora's role as both a civic and sacred space.
The centerpiece of the State Agora was a temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, constructed during the 1st century CE. Surrounded by ten columns on its long side and six on its short side, the temple once stood as a testament to the connections between Egypt and Ephesus, evident in its pink granite columns鈥攁n import, since there were no such quarries in Anatolia. However, it was demolished during the reign of Emperor Augustus due to its Egyptian associations and was never rebuilt. Statues depicting scenes from the legend of Odysseus and Polyphemos, which once adorned its facade, are now displayed in the Ephesus Museum.
Spanning 160 by 73 meters, the State Agora was bordered by stoas鈥攔oofed colonnades鈥攐n three sides, while the western edge was marked by an ashlar wall with several monuments. These stoas, adorned with sculptures, provided shelter from the weather, allowing citizens to discuss political matters or attend philosophical teachings. Among the architectural highlights is the Stoa Basilica, a two-story structure with Ionic columns decorated with bulls' heads, symbolizing strength and sacredness. These heads also had a functional purpose, extending the architrave's support to allow wider spacing between columns. This basilica likely doubled as a place of worship, underscoring the Agora's role as both a civic and sacred space.
The centerpiece of the State Agora was a temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, constructed during the 1st century CE. Surrounded by ten columns on its long side and six on its short side, the temple once stood as a testament to the connections between Egypt and Ephesus, evident in its pink granite columns鈥攁n import, since there were no such quarries in Anatolia. However, it was demolished during the reign of Emperor Augustus due to its Egyptian associations and was never rebuilt. Statues depicting scenes from the legend of Odysseus and Polyphemos, which once adorned its facade, are now displayed in the Ephesus Museum.
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State Agora on Map
Sight Name: State Agora
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.
Ephesus Introduction Walking Tour
Ephesus, the most important Greek city in Ionian Asia Minor, the ruins of which lie near the modern village of Sel茍uk in western Turkey. Ephesus is one of the largest and most impressive ancient cities in the world and is one of T眉rkiye鈥檚 most significant ancient cities. Its cultural and historical significance was highlighted in its addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2015. The... view more
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
Selcuk Introduction Walking Tour
Sel莽uk is a town near Izmir, in western Turkey. It鈥檚 the gateway to Ephesus, a vast, ancient city with the remains of a large theater and the Library of Celsus. South is the House of Virgin Mary, a domed chapel and religious shrine. Near Sel莽uk, a marble column is one of a few remains of the Temple of Artemis. The Ephesus Museum has more items from the temple, plus other artifacts excavated... view more
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