Ephesus Library

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The Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey, features the iconic facade of an ancient Roman library. Constructed between 114 and 117 AD by the Roman Consul Gaius Julius Aquila in memory of his father, Celsus, the library is a remarkable testament to Roman public architecture. It was once home to around 12,000 scrolls, making it the third-largest library of the ancient world, after Alexandria and Pergamum. Ephesus, an important commercial center during its time, now stands as one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean.

Located in the western part of Turkey, near present-day Selçuk, Ephesus enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The site is part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage area that highlights its cultural importance as a meeting point of different civilizations over millennia. The library's facade is a marvel with double tiers of columns and intricately carved figures symbolizing Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, and Valor.

Besides the library, Ephesus hosts notable landmarks such as the Great Theatre, capable of seating 25,000 people, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The annual Selçuk-Efes Festival celebrates this rich history with events that include cultural exhibitions and performances, drawing visitors globally.

An interesting fact about the Library of Celsus is its ingenious architectural design. To create an illusion of grandeur, the facade's columns are arranged in a way that makes the library appear larger than it actually is. This is an early example of the sophistication in Roman architecture. Furthermore, the library holds a hidden crypt where Celsus was entombed with great honors.