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This is the most magnificent
structure in Ephesus ancient city. The Great Theatre is located on
the slope of Panayir Hill, opposite the Harbor Street, and easily
seen when entering from the south entrance to Ephesus. It was
first constructed in the Hellenistic Period, in the third century
BC during the reign of Lysimachos, but then during the Roman
Period, it was enlarged and formed its current style that is seen
today.
The Great Theatre of Ephesus
It is the largest in Anatolia and has
the capacity of 25,000 seats. The cavea has sixty six rows of
seats, divided by two diazoma (walkway between seats) into three
horizontal sections. There are three sections of seats. In the
lower section, Marble pieces, used for restoration, and the
Emperor's Box were found. The seats with backs ,made of marble,
were reserved for important people. The audience entered from the
upper cavea.
The stage building is three-storied and 18 meters high. The facade
facing the audience was ornamented with relieves, columns with
niches, windows and statues. There are five doors opening to the
orchestra area, the middle one of which is wider than the rest.
This enhanced the appearance of the stage, giving it a bigger,
monumental look.
The theatre was used not only for concerts and plays, but also for
religious, political and philosophical discussions and for
gladiator and animal fights.
The Big Riot Against Paul at the Theatre
of Ephesus
At that particular time there arose no little disturbance
concerning The Way. 24 For a certain man named De·me´tri·us, a
silversmith, by making silver shrines of Ar´te·mis furnished the
craftsmen no little gain; 25 and he gathered them and those who
worked at such things and said: “Men, YOU well know that from this
business we have our prosperity. 26 Also, YOU behold and hear how
not only in Eph´e·sus but in nearly all the [district of] Asia
this Paul has persuaded a considerable crowd and turned them to
another opinion, saying that the ones that are made by hands are
not gods. 27 Moreover, the danger exists not only that this
occupation of ours will come into disrepute but also that the
temple of the great goddess Ar´te·mis will be esteemed as nothing
and even her magnificence which the whole [district of] Asia and
the inhabited earth worships is about to be brought down to
nothing.” 28 Hearing this and becoming full of anger, the men
began crying out, saying: “Great is Ar´te·mis of the E·phe´sians!”
29 So the city became filled with confusion, and with one accord
they rushed into the theatre, taking forcibly along with them Ga´ius
and Ar·is·tar´chus, Mac·e·do´ni·ans, traveling companions of Paul.
30 For his part, Paul was willing to go inside to the people, but
the disciples would not permit him. 31 Even some of the
commissioners of festivals and games, who were friendly to him,
sent to him and began pleading for him not to risk himself in the
theatre. 32The fact is, some were crying out one thing and others
another; for the assembly was in confusion, and the majority of
them did not know the reason why they had come together. 33 So
together they brought Alexander out of the crowd, the Jews
thrusting him up front; and Alexander motioned with his hand and
was wanting to make his defense to the people. 34 But when they
recognized that he was a Jew, one cry arose from them all as they
shouted for about two hours: “Great is Ar´te·mis of the E·phe´sians!”
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35 When, finally, the city recorder
had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Eph´e·sus, who really is
there of mankind that does not know that the city of the E·phe´sians
is the temple keeper of the great Ar´te·mis and of the image that
fell from heaven? 36Therefore since these things are indisputable,
it is becoming for YOU to keep calm and not act rashly. 37 For YOU
have brought these men who are neither robbers of temples nor
blasphemers of our goddess. 38 Therefore if De·me´tri·us and the
craftsmen with him do have a case against someone, court days are
held and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges against one
another. 39 If, though, YOU are searching for anything beyond that,
it must be decided in a regular assembly. 40 For we are really in
danger of being charged with sedition over today’s affair, no
single cause existing that will permit us to render a reason for
this disorderly mob.” 41 And when he had said these things, he
dismissed the assembly. |
