A veritable palimpsest of Greco Roman history and culture, the ancient city of Ephesus emerges from its seat within the rolling coastal hills of the Aegean coast in an exhibition of crumbling temples, lichen-spotted amphitheatres and looming monoliths of emperors, heroes and gods alike.

First established by Ionian seafarers at the beginning of the Greek Dark Ages, the city eventually flourished as the capital of Roman Asia Minor and became a metropolis of bustling harbours, hawker bazaars, merchant districts and aristocratic mansions, all revolving around the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world. Today, the site attracts millions of visitors a year, who come to catch a snapshot of provincial Roman life between the archways of the Temple of Hadrian, the mosaicked floors of the affluent Terrace Houses, the piazzas of Domitian’s Square and the dilapidated rises of the old worshipping rooms. And while the excavation work continues, it’s the great Library of Celsus and the colossal Great Theatre that take centre stage amidst all the fascinating ruins. Ephesus tour guides often also direct visitors to the Archaeological Museum at nearby Selcuk, where priceless sculpture works and artifacts from the site are on display.