The history of Chalcedon often centers on the Basilica of St. Euphemia, the site of the Council of Chalcedon. Built over the grave of Saint Euphemia, this famous church has vanished from view, leaving behind one of the city’s greatest archaeological puzzles. Where did it stand? Historical sources, topography, and recent discoveries offer several compelling possibilities. Let us explore the leading theories.
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Reading the Ruins of Ancient Chalcedon
Most people pass over the ancient ruins of Chalcedon without realizing what lies below. I have never walked through the archaeological site myself, but anyone can look down from the main bridge in Kadıköy, on Istanbul’s Asian side, and see what archaeologists have uncovered. From that vantage point, sacred apsidal structures, marble floors, and massive column bases begin to emerge from the earth. At first glance, they look like scattered stones. Yet each one tells part of the story of an important city. So what do these discoveries actually reveal?
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Ancient Chalcedon in Modern Kadıköy
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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