Terrace Houses in Ephesus, Archaeological site near Temple of Hadrian, Ephesus, Turkey.
The Terrace Houses in Ephesus are a residential complex with six Roman houses built across three terraces on a hillside, featuring inner courtyards and two-story structures. The spaces are protected by modern roofing and made accessible for visitors to walk through.
The oldest residence in the complex dates from the first century BC and remained inhabited until the seventh century AD, spanning multiple Roman imperial periods. The continuous occupation over such a long time shows the importance and stability of this wealthy enclave.
The houses display extensive floor mosaics, wall frescoes, and marble decorations that reflect the living standards of wealthy Roman families in the ancient city. You can still see details of their interior furnishings and understand how these privileged residents lived.
Visitors should know that the houses are built on three different levels and navigating between terraces requires attention to stairs and uneven ground. The modern roofing system provides weather protection, but the spaces can be tight, so sturdy footwear is important.
The heating system in these houses was remarkably advanced for its time, with clay pipes beneath floors and behind walls that distributed hot air throughout the spaces. This under-floor heating system shows the technical knowledge and comfort that wealthy residents expected.
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