The ancient city of Ephesus encompassed a significant area, with its wall circuit measuring 415 hectares (1,030 acres) and its occupied urban space covering 224 hectares (550 acres).
Dimensions of Ancient Ephesus
Ephesus, a prominent ancient Greek city, had its size characterized by two key measurements, reflecting different aspects of its urban footprint. These dimensions provide insight into the scale of this historical settlement.
| Measurement Type | Area (Hectares) | Area (Acres) |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Circuit | 415 ha | 1,030 acres |
| Occupied Area | 224 ha | 550 acres |
Understanding the Area Measurements
The two distinct measurements for Ephesus's size highlight different aspects of the city's development and layout:
- Wall Circuit: This figure, 415 hectares (1,030 acres), represents the total area enclosed within the city's defensive walls. This larger area would have included not only residential and public buildings but also potentially open spaces, agricultural plots, or less densely built-up areas within the fortified perimeter.
- Occupied Area: The 224 hectares (550 acres) indicates the actual built-up or densely populated portion of the city. This is the area where most of the urban life, including homes, markets, temples, and other public structures, was concentrated.
This distinction is crucial for understanding the true extent of the city's active urban core versus its total fortified domain.
Historical Context of Ephesus
Ephesus holds a rich history, being a city of great importance in antiquity:
- Founded: The city was originally built by Attic and Ionian Greeks around the 10th century BC.
- Abandonment: After centuries of prominence, Ephesus was eventually abandoned in the 15th century.
