Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Archaeological museum in Selçuk, Turkey
The Ephesus Archaeological Museum houses thousands of objects from the ancient city, including stone statues, jewelry, coins, and building elements from different periods. The collection displays finds from homes, religious sites, and layers spanning thousands of years of settlement.
The museum opened in 1964 after Turkey stopped allowing antiquities to leave the country, marking a turning point in preserving local heritage. Prior to this, important discoveries from the late 1800s through early 1900s had been sent abroad to foreign institutions.
The displays feature everyday items like jewelry and pottery that reveal how this ancient place functioned as a major trading center where goods and ideas crossed paths. These objects tell the story of the people who lived and worked here, showing what daily life was like in a thriving ancient city.
The place has extended opening hours and easy accessibility, with detailed labels in several languages throughout the galleries. The exhibition rooms are well-organized and manageable in size, making it straightforward to explore at your own pace.
One of the oldest pieces comes from a nearby mound and dates to when people first began settling in this region. This small item tells the story of the area's earliest occupation, long before the famous ancient city rose to prominence.
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