Fabulous Ephesus

I purchased the guidebook on Ephesus, because it's just too huge and overwhelming for a few pictures to do it justice. The site itself has over 5000 years of history, and is said to be the best preserved ancient site in the world. Excavations are still ongoing. The city began to dwindle around 500 AD, as a result of three devastating earthquakes and the gradual silting up of the river that had made Ephesus an important harbor.

We started at the top and walked slowly downward about a mile through the ruins, with our coach picking us up at the bottom. This is the entrance to the temple of Hadrian. This is the entrance to one of the baths.Cats were everywhere - this one is gazing curiously at Steve's hat. Many inscriptions are still visible, including this on the top of the arch.The hillside shows the foundations of sumtuous private homes.The street winds down the hill toward the sea. The crowds began arriving as the day went on. Not a cloud in the ever-present blue sky, and very hot (as was our entire trip).
The two-story facade of the Library of Celsus is still standing. This lovely marble statue is inside the library. A marble carving of a Christian era guardian angel.This is the "theatre gymnasium", a stadium used for a variety of events, with baths on the left.
This street led down to the harbor. Looking back, we can see the stadium cut into the hillside.