Sacred Way

From the Great Theatre, walk south along the marble-paved Sacred Way, also known as the Marble Way, noting the remains of the elaborate water and sewerage systems beneath the paving stones, and the ruts made by wheeled vehicles (which were not allowed to drive down Harbour St). The large open space on the right was the 110-sq-m agora (marketplace) dating back to 3BC and once the heart of Ephesus' business life. It would have been surrounded by a colonnade and shops selling food and craft items.

Note the fine carvings of gladiators that survive along the Sacred Way.

On the left as you approach the end of the street is an elaborate building, which used to be called a brothel but is now believed to have been a private house. Either way, its main hall contains a fine mosaic of the Four Seasons.

The Sacred Way ends at the embolos, with the Library of Celsus and the monumental Gate of Augustus to the right, and Curetes Way heading east up the slope.