Terrace Houses in Ephesus

The terrace houses in Ephesus are rather well-preserved with their elaborate architectural features, marble floors, frescoes, and intricate mosaics all still intact. The residences typically had several rooms grouped around central courtyards, each equipped with advanced infrastructure, water supply, and heating systems.

Visitors can explore living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and even bathrooms in the terrace houses to gain insight into the daily lives of the wealthy Ephesian citizens. The detailed mosaics and vivid frescoes portray scenes from everyday life, legends, and belief systems. Lists containing the costs of different goods are especially interesting because they provide information about the living costs of the era. With all these features , Terrace houses in Ephesus provide a captivating glimpse into the artistic and cultural accomplishments of the time.

Discovery of Terrace Houses 

The terrace houses are unique because of their exceptional preservation. The elaborate mosaics, frescoes, marble floors, and architectural elements of the terrace houses were shielded from the elements and the passage of time by the layers of sediment that covered the ruins of Ephesus over the ages.

The terrace house excavations started in the late 1800s and have continued on and off until the present. Numerous artifacts, such as household items, pottery, glassware, and personal belongings, have been discovered by archaeologists. These artifacts offer important insights into the economy, society, and culture of ancient Ephesus.