ephesus Flashcards
how was the site discovered?
1863 - john turtle wood spent six years searching for the temple of artemis
1869 - finds temple in the ancient city of ephesus and begins a five year excavation
initial mention in ancient texts - site discovery
ephesus was mentioned in various texts dating back to the second millenium bce, the
city played a significant role in greek and roman periods and was known for its architecture
rediscovery - site discovery
brit architect John Turtle Wood rediscovered the site in the 1860s, excavations were initiated, focusing on finding the temple of artemis
austrian archaeological institute - site discovery
otto benndorf and carl humman continued the excavations in the late 19th century/early 20th century, uncovering many significant structures
manual excavation - excavation methods
jtw’s excavation methods involved traditional manual digging techniques, with workers using shovels, picks, and other hand tools to uncover the remains
archaeological surveying - excavation methods
archaeologists utilised surveying techniques to map layout of the ancient city accurately; measuring and documenting the locations of structures and artefacts
stratigraphy - excavation methods
excavators employed stratigraphic analysis, studying layers of soil and debris to understand chronological order of occupation and construction - helps establish a timeline of the city’s development
geophysical methods - excavation methods
modern technologies, such as ground-penetrating radar and magnetometry, have been employed to detect buried structures and features without extensive digging
radiocarbon dating - dating/identifying
archaeologists use radiocarbon dating to determine ages of organic materials found at the site, such as wood or charcoal remains. this method helps establish chronology of different layers within the archaeological site
ceramic typology - dating/identifying
study of pottery and ceramic artefacts is a common method to date archaeological layers - changes in styles and forms of pottery over time help archaeologists establish relative chronologies
epigraphy - dating/identifying
examination of inscriptions provides information about the purpose of structures, dedications, and historical events. inscriptions on monuments and buildings offer insights into the social, religious, and political aspects of ephesus
religious significance - differing interpretations
some interpretations show ephesus as a centre of religious importance due to presence of the temple of artemis - this emphasises the city’s role in ancient religious practices
commercial hub - differing interpretations
archaeological evidence, including the well-preserved harbour and marketplaces, suggests ephesus was a thriving commercial hub. some interpretations emphasise its economic significance, acting as a key trading city in the ancient world
decline and abandonment - differing interpretations
differing interpretations exist regarding the factors leading to the decline and eventual abandonment of ephesus. Some emphasise economic shifts, changes in trade routes, or natural disasters, while others point to political instability and invasions
social inequality - differing interpretations
examination of housing structures and artefacts may lead to interpretations of social hierarchies and economic disparities within the population of ephesus. this perspective sheds light on the social dynamics of the ancient city
cultural and intellectual heritage - contributes to today
city was a centre of cultural and intellectual activities, evident in the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. it provides insights into the educational and artistic pursuits of the ancient inhabitants
religious significance - contributes to today
ephesus was a major centre for the worship of Artemis, with the Temple of Artemis being one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It contributes to our understanding of ancient religious practices and the importance of cults in urban life.
trade and commerce - contributes to today
the city’s strategic location made it a key commercial hub in the ancient world. ephesus contributed to the understanding of ancient trade routes, economic systems, and the exchange of goods and ideas
roman influence and adaptation - contributes to today
ephesus underwent changes during the Roman period, reflecting the city’s ability to adapt to external influences. This contributes to our understanding of cultural interactions and the impact of Roman rule on local communities
cultural heritage managements - ethical issues
balancing the need for archaeological research with the preservation of cultural heritage raises ethical questions. excavations must be conducted responsibly to minimise damage to the site and its artefacts
tourism impact - ethical issues
the influx of tourists can contribute to wear and tear on the ancient structures and artefacts. managing tourism impact ethically involves implementing measures to protect the site while still allowing public access
artefact repatriation - ethical issues
ownership and repatriation of artefacts discovered at ephesus can be ethically complex. issues arise when artefacts are taken from their country of origin and are subject to debates about rightful ownership and the return of cultural property
