Byzantine Empire Period (395–1308)
During the Byzantine Empire period (395–1308), Ephesus maintained its position as the most significant city of the Byzantine Empire in Asia, second only to Constantinople in the 5th and 6th centuries! And that’s not all! Emperor Flavius Arcadius raised the level of the street between the theatre and the harbour, while the basilica of Saint John was constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century! Emperor Flavius Arcadius raised the level of the street between the theatre and the harbour, while the basilica of Saint John was constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century!
Excavations in 2022 indicate that a military conflict, most likely during the Sasanian War, caused the destruction of large parts of the city in 614/615! This event led to a drastic decline in the city’s population and standard of living.
The significance of Ephesus as a commercial hub decreased due to the gradual silting up of the harbour by the river (now known as Küçük Menderes)! Despite repeated dredging throughout the city’s history, the loss of access to the Aegean Sea, which was crucial for trade, caused people to migrate from the city’s lowlands to the surrounding hills. But don’t worry, the ruins of the temples were repurposed as building materials for new homes, ensuring that the city continued to thrive and evolve! But don’t worry, the town didn’t stay down for long!
The decline of marble sculptures in Ephesus was hastened by the Arab sackings in 654-655 by Caliph Muawiyah I, and later in 700 and 716!
Following the conquest of Ephesus by the Seljuk Turks in 1090, the town became a small village. However, the Byzantines regained control in 1097 and renamed the town Hagios Theologos. They maintained control of the region until 1308, when it passed to new rulers. Instead of the bustling city with a large seaport they had expected, they found only a small village called Ayasalouk. Even the local population had completely forgotten about the temple of Artemis! The Crusaders were in for a surprise! Can you believe it? But that didn’t stop the Crusaders of the Second Crusade, who fought the Seljuks just outside the town in December 1147.