EPHESUS

As t he most well-preserved and largest ancient city around all the Mediterranean, Ephesus should certainly not be missed on your travels in Turkey. Built at the end points of profitable trade routes and linked to the Mediterranean by a harbor (before the sea retreated), the residents of Ephesus enjoyed great commercial wealth throughout the ages. However, they lacked military power and political acumen. Hence the city switched back and forth between Greek and Persian domination before the rise of the Romans. It was designated as the capital of Asia during the Roman Imperial rule and adorned with many attractive temples and public buildings, many of which can still be seen within the ancient city remains today.