State Agora, Ephesus
The State Agora in Ephesus, also known as the Upper Agora, is a significant ancient site that once served as the political heart of the city. Located in the southeastern part of Ephesus, the State Agora was distinct from the Commercial Agora, which was positioned in the northwestern part of the city. Initially constructed in the 4th century BCE on the grounds of an old necropolis, this transformation highlights the rapid expansion of Ephesus beyond its original boundaries. Archaeological excavations in its northeastern corner revealed graves from the 7th and 6th centuries BCE, along with an archaic terracotta sarcophagus, offering a glimpse into its past as a burial site. The square gained its urban structure during the Hellenistic and early Roman periods, with significant paving work carried out around 65 BCE by Timon, the agoranomos, or market overseer. The site underwent further renovations at the start of the 1st century CE, solidifying its role as a central space for public and political gatherings.
Spanning 160 by 73 meters, the State Agora was bordered by stoas-roofed colonnades-on three sides, while the western edge was marked by an ashlar wall with several monuments. These stoas, adorned with sculptures, provided shelter from the weather, allowing citizens to discuss political matters or attend philosophical teachings. Among the architectural highlights is the Stoa Basilica, a two-story structure with Ionic columns decorated with bulls' heads, symbolizing strength and sacredness. These heads also had a functional purpose, extending the architrave's support to allow wider spacing between columns. This basilica likely doubled as a place of worship, underscoring the Agora's role as both a civic and sacred space.
The centerpiece of the State Agora was a temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, constructed during the 1st century CE. Surrounded by ten columns on its long side and six on its short side, the temple once stood as a testament to the connections between Egypt and Ephesus, evident in its pink granite columns-an import, since there were no such quarries in Anatolia. However, it was demolished during the reign of Emperor Augustus due to its Egyptian associations and was never rebuilt. Statues depicting scenes from the legend of Odysseus and Polyphemos, which once adorned its facade, are now displayed in the Ephesus Museum.
Spanning 160 by 73 meters, the State Agora was bordered by stoas-roofed colonnades-on three sides, while the western edge was marked by an ashlar wall with several monuments. These stoas, adorned with sculptures, provided shelter from the weather, allowing citizens to discuss political matters or attend philosophical teachings. Among the architectural highlights is the Stoa Basilica, a two-story structure with Ionic columns decorated with bulls' heads, symbolizing strength and sacredness. These heads also had a functional purpose, extending the architrave's support to allow wider spacing between columns. This basilica likely doubled as a place of worship, underscoring the Agora's role as both a civic and sacred space.
The centerpiece of the State Agora was a temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, constructed during the 1st century CE. Surrounded by ten columns on its long side and six on its short side, the temple once stood as a testament to the connections between Egypt and Ephesus, evident in its pink granite columns-an import, since there were no such quarries in Anatolia. However, it was demolished during the reign of Emperor Augustus due to its Egyptian associations and was never rebuilt. Statues depicting scenes from the legend of Odysseus and Polyphemos, which once adorned its facade, are now displayed in the Ephesus Museum.
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State Agora on Map
Sight Name: State Agora
Sight Location: Ephesus, Turkey (See walking tours in Ephesus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ephesus, Turkey (See walking tours in Ephesus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ephesus, Turkey
Create Your Own Walk in Ephesus
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ephesus is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ephesus Introduction Walking Tour
Ancient Greek poet Antipater of Sidon exclaimed that Babylon and the tomb of Mausolus paled in comparison with the Temple of Artemis. The temple is undoubtedly a highlight, as it is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. However, Ephesus has much more to offer. The city was one of the great urban centers of the ancient Mediterranean, with a history stretching back to the second millennium... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Selcuk Introduction Walking Tour
The name Sel莽uk comes from the Seljuk Turks, who settled in the area in the 12th century AD after centuries of shifting empires in western Anatolia. But the story of this small town stretches back much further, into the heart of the ancient world. Long before the Seljuks left their mark, the land around it was dominated by Ephesus, one of the great cities of antiquity and a vital hub of the Greek... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles