Gate of Mazeus and Mithridates, Ephesus

Ephesus was an ancient Greek city, and later a major Roman city, on the west coast of Asia Minor, near present-day Selcuk, within the Province of Izmir, Turkey. It was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek Period. In Roman Times, circa the 1st Century BC, Ephesus had a population of more than 250,000 citizens, making it the second largest city in the world. Destroyed by the Goths in 263 AD, Ephesus still remained an important city during the Byzantine period. Located at the entrance to the Commercial Agora, adjacent and perpendicular to the Celcus Library, this three-arched gate was built by Mazeus and Mithridates circa 4-3 BC. This three-arched passageway, built like a Roman triumphal arch, was erected by the aforementioned as a token of gratitude to Emperor Augustus, who freed them from their slavery status. Wide and robust pilasters support the arches and the richly decorated frieze above each arch. Dedicatory inscriptions in Latin above the arches mention Emperor Augustus and his family, to who this monument was dedicated. During restorations of the Gate, a drainage system was found underneath, which is part of the Curetes Street drainage system.