Home to a number of cultures and different belief systems for thousands of years Ephesus was one of the most important ports of the classical world.
However the steady accumulation overtime of alluvial deposits from the Little Meander (Kucuk Menderes) river, it pushed the boundaries of the city 9 kilometers inland leading to the eventual loss of the city's prominence.
Because of geographical factors and due to strategic requirements the actual site of Ephesus shifted a number of times over the years.
The city experience its zenith during the Roman era.
With a population of 250.000, Ephesus was the largest urban area in Asia Minor and was a major cultural scientific and educational center as well as being a crucial commercial and political hub.
The temple of Artemis, one of the seven Ancient wonders of the World attracted vast number of visitors in Antiquity and continues to do so today
As well as being home to John the Apostle and the Virgin Mary during Christianity's expansionist phase, the city also housed one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the New Testament.