Near Acarlar in Selçuk, İzmir, Turkey — West Asia or Southeast Europe
The Celsus Library
Celsus Kutuphanesi [text in Turkish ]
The Celsus Library [text in English]:
The Celsus Library, certainly the most well-known monument in Ephesos, was built between A.D. and 110 by Gaius Iulius Aquila for his father, the senator Tiberius Iulius Celsus Polemaeanus. The library can actually be interpreted as a heroon which was built over the burial chamber of the deceased.
A flight of nine steps at the façade, flanked by statue bases, led to a vestibule from which the actual library room could be entered. The aediculated architecture of the impressive façade contrasts with the brick construction of the buildings interior, although the floors and walls were revetted with marble. The library was destroyed during an earthquake in ca. A.D. 270 and was not rebuilt. In the late antique period the remnants of the splendid façade served as the rear wall of a street fountain. The re-erection took place during the years 1970-1978 with the financial help of Anton Kallinger-Prskawetz.
Die Celsusbibliothek [text in German...]
[Diagrams]:
the Library floor plan and the Ephesus archaeological site.
[Photo captions]:
The Celsus Library after the excavations.
Reconstruction of the interior room.
T.C. Kültür Ve Turizm Bakanliği and Osterrichisches Archaologisthes Insitut, Gradung Ephesos
Erected by T.C. Kültür Ve Turizm Bakanliği and Osterrichisches Archaologisthes Insitut, Gradung Ephesos.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Notable Buildings.
Location. 37° 56.348′ N, 27° 20.445′ E. Marker is near Acarlar, İzmir, in Selçuk. Marker can be reached from Efes Harabeleri (Marble Road/Curetes Street) south of Efes Yolu. The library is within the restored Ephesus Archaeological Site, off the intersection of the old Marble Road and the Curetes Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Acarlar, İzmir 35920, Turkey. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The South Gate of the Agora (within shouting distance of this marker); Hadrian's Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); The Archaic-Classical Settlement and the Sepulchre Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Tetragonos Agora - The Commercial Market (within shouting distance of this marker); The Heroon of Androclos (within shouting distance of this marker); The So-Called House of Pleasure (within shouting distance of this marker); The Latrine (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Terrace House 2 (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Acarlar.
Also see . . .
1. Library of Celsus. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on June 27, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. Library of Celsus in Ephesus. Discover Kusadasi website entry (Submitted on June 27, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
3. Heroön. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on June 28, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional keywords. antiquities; Efes; Anatolia; Asia Minor; Marble Road; Artemis Temple.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,244 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on June 30, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 27, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 5, 6. submitted on June 28, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.