Τhe next lecture of the “THE CIRCLE, Dialogues for Greek and Roman Architecture” will be given by Christoph Baier (Austrian Archaeological Institute, Athens Branch).
Τhe topic is: “The image of Late Hellenistic Ephesos. New research on a residence above the theatre”.
“As reported by Pliny the Elder (Plin. HN 5.155), for those travelling to ancient Ephesus by sea the cityscape was characterized by the buildings that rose on Mount Pion, i.e. all around the great theatre of the city. Taking up a commanding position above the theatre, a monumental dwelling, which was partly excavated in 1929/30, crowned the city. The building was in use from the 2nd century BC to the early 7th century AD and was reminiscent of contemporary palace architecture during each of its main phases. According to the results of a new research project it may be suggested that the house was the residence of a major public magistrate both during Hellenistic and Roman times. The presentation will focus on the Hellenistic building and on its physical and symbolic relation to the surrounding city area. Given the prominent topographical setting of the residence it shall be put up for discussion whether this part of the Ephesian cityscape was congenial to the visualization of social hierarchies and political authority already in the 2nd century BC.”