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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Discovering the Ephesus’ Re-purposed Sites for Churches
Biblical history promotes Ephesus as a significant location where Christianity spread. Many tours focus on Roman and Greek influences but do not mention the last 500 years or more, during which the city became a dominant Christian center. The conversion of the Ephesians transformed the city from a pagan center to a thriving Christian community. A visit to Ephesus provides a unique glimpse into how early believers repurposed civic or religious spaces for Christian worship. This ancient city hosts a dozen or more repurposed Christian sites.
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Hidden Crosses at Seljuk Museum
A visit to the Museum of Ephesus in Selçuk is essential for anyone exploring the ancient city itself. During my first visit, I was struck by the overwhelming presence of idols, statues, and pagan imagery that once filled Ephesus. The Seljuk museum vividly reveals the spiritual world of the ancient city and helps visitors understand the religious atmosphere that early Christians encountered there. Today, a seeker of Christian history will again encounter the ancient focus since one must look beyond the ruins and even the museum, where the exhibitions fail to highlight Christianity’s rise over its final 500 years.
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