Since 2018, archaeologists have uncovered remarkable new pieces of ancient Chalcedon. Excavations have revealed churches, graves, temples, and even an ancient harbor, offering fresh insight into this once-thriving city. With each new discovery, Chalcedon’s story becomes richer, but how much still lies hidden beneath the modern streets? What have archaeologists uncovered so far, and what discoveries might still await?
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Exploring the History of St. John’s Basilica
One of my favorite experiences in Ephesus is tracing the story of the early Church through the city’s changing landscape. I often pass by the multiple State Agora crosses, then enjoy the house church within the Terrace Houses before walking to the repurposed site of St. Mary’s Basilica, and finally, in Seljuk to St. John’s Basilica. Together, these locations reveal four distinct movements of church growth in Ephesus. As the city gradually expanded toward the Northeast, the Church also shifted with it, leaving behind a remarkable archaeological record of its development.
St. John’s Basilica eventually became the largest church in Asia Minor, while Hagia Sophia held that distinction in the eastern Roman capital of Constantinople. Let’s look beneath the surface to discover what makes this place truly unique.
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St. Mary’s Basilica: Ephesus’ Most Overlooked Site — And One You Shouldn’t Skip
Millions of visitors walk the marble streets of Ephesus each year, stopping at the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Roman Emperor temples. Yet many miss the ruins of St. Mary’s Basilica without realizing they are standing at one of the most influential locations in Christian history.
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Ephesus and the Challenge to Early Christianity: Domitian, Celsus, and Hadrian
In the ancient Ephesian site, three historic characters dominate the ruins, who historically persecuted and hated Christians. Domitian, the emperor of Rome, saw Christians as anti-Roman and sought to establish himself as the ultimate king and lord. While many think that Celsus and Hadrian spoke out against the church’s influence. However, today, a visit to Ephesus promotes these characters, whom most people do not know, and their history with Christians. Let’s take a closer look.
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The Amazing Terrace Houses of Ephesus and the Question of House Churches
A visit to the Terrace Houses of Ephesus is well worth the extra expense, especially for those interested in the city’s Christian heritage. Beautifully preserved homes and mosaics reveal subtle reminders of the faith that flourished here nearly two thousand years ago. Cross-shaped mosaics, stone church lintels, and a carved cross may have guided believers to an early house church among these homes. These remains offer a glimpse into the Christian community that grew in Ephesus after the ministry of Paul and the other early followers of Christ.
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Narikala: The Georgian Fortress With a Persian Story
Few landmarks in Tbilisi spark more debate than the ancient Narikala Fortress. Some argue that the fortress reflects Persian power more than Georgian history, while others see it as a symbol of Georgian identity alone. Yet the story of Narikala is far more complex. Over centuries, Persians, Georgians, Arabs, Mongols, and Ottomans all shaped the fortress that still rises above the city today. Conquerors, builders, and traders left their marks of conquest, rebuilding, and cultural exchange on its walls. To understand Narikala, we must look beyond modern nationalism and read the layered history the fortress inscribes in its stone walls.
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