R. Doug Wicker's Blog, page 119
August 27, 2018
54 Days at Sea — Ephesus; St. John Basilica
Basilica of St. John
About 1.5 miles/2.4 kilometers east northeast of ancient Ephesus, Turkey stand the ruins of a basilica built in the 6th century by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I. By all historical accounts, it was quite a structure. It was known as the Basilica of St. John.
[image error]The Church of St. John
But today not a lot remains.
[image error]Basilica of St. John
However, this ancient church site has something no other church in the world possesses. Legend has it that the basilica was built over the to...
August 24, 2018
Fun Photo Friday — 54 Days at Sea; More Ephesus images
Ephesus from Above
Next week we’ll remain in the Ephesus area, but moving on to nearby sights. On Monday we’ll visit St. John Basilica and the House of Mary. Until then, here are some Ephesus favorites:
[image error]Ephesus Arch
[image error]Arcadian Street
[image error]A Lonely Ephesus Column
[image error]Celsus Library
August 23, 2018
Obvious? Yes.
Obvious? Yes. But I simply could not resist the pun:
August 22, 2018
54 Days at Sea — Ephesus terrace house mosaics
Ephesus terrace house fresco
With the exception of the wall fresco above, today’s article will feature the intricate and beautiful mosaics decorating the terrace houses of Ephesus, Turkey.
[image error]Ephesus terrace house mosaics
Many of the mosaics here mimic a decorative carpet when seen from a distance.
[image error]Ephesus terrace house mosaics
It is only as you get closer that their true composition becomes evident.
[image error]Ephesus terrace house mosaics
The floors are not, however, the only exquisite examples of mosaic...
August 20, 2018
54 Days at Sea — Ephesus terrace houses
Ephesus Terrace House
For a look at how the rich lived in Ephesus, all you need do is visit one of several terrace houses that have been undergoing excavation and restoration since 1960. Two are complete, and others are undergoing active restoration.
[image error]Ephesus Terrace House undergoing restoration
These structures are quite impressive, with peristyle courtyards and grand arched ceilings.
[image error]Ephesus Terrace House
A translucent structure protects the terrace house below as it undergoes restoration.
[image error]E...
August 17, 2018
Fun Photo Friday — 54 Days at Sea; Ephesus Street Scenes
Meeting at the Library
Street photography is fun. But street photography that mixes ancient ruins with modern tourists is a blast:
[image error]Harbour Street
[image error]In Formation
[image error]Rush Hour at the Forum
[image error]Ephesus Columns
August 15, 2018
54 Days at Sea — Ephesus Architecture Part 2
Ephesus Amphitheater and columns lining Harbour Street
Above you’ll see a photograph of the 24,000-seat Ephesus Amphitheater, and running along the front of the image is the column-lined Harbour Street. Harbour Street (also Arcadian Street) linked the main city to the natural harbor and existed for most of the city’s existence. But, this is no longer the case. Erosion of the cultivated land and river silt from the Küçükmenderes River filled the natural harbor. Today, the harbor is filled, the...
August 13, 2018
54 Days at Sea — Ephesus Architecture Part 1
Ephesus, Turkey
Last week I gave you a little of the history of Ephesus, and described some of the buildings you’ll see in this fascinating destination. This week I’m going to concentrate on architectural details and other fun photo opportunities. As such, there is not much need for words. So, without further adieu, here we go:
[image error]Ephesus, Turkey
[image error]Ephesus, Turkey
[image error]Ephesus, Turkey
[image error]Ephesus, Turkey
[image error]Ephesus, Turkey
[image error]Ephesus, Turkey
[image error]Ephesus, Turkey
[image error]Ephesus, Turkey
[image error]Ephesus, Turkey
[image error]Ephesus, Turkey
August 10, 2018
Fun Photo Friday — 54 Days at Sea; Ephesus Favorites
August 8, 2018
54 Days at Sea — Arriving Ephesus, Turkey
Ephesus, Turkey
Today and over the next two weeks I’ll be taking you on a journey back into time, for the history of Ephesus is a history that predates the Greek Empire, extends through the Persian Empire, the Roman Empire, and continued on through the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire well into the Ottoman Empire. Indeed, the area in and around Ephesus was first inhabited by Greek Attica and Ionian colonists in the 10th century B.C., and wasn’t abandoned until the 15th century A.D.
[image error]Ephesus, T...