History of Medicine: Ephesus

For centuries, medicine has been one of the most vital professions. Doctors are an integral part of societies today, just as physicians were in the ancient world. How did the people of the past treat illness, injury and disease? Our History of Medicine video series explores how the ancient cities of Anatolia approached human health. 

The ancient city was home to contests in the medical field were physicians who discovered new medicine were handsomely awarded. Let’s explore this history together:
 

A Brief History of Ephesus 

Ephesus is one of the most famous ancient cities in Türkiye, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are many reasons why Ephesus is so unique and well-known. The most important of these reasons is that Ephesus had examples of the superior urbanization and architecture of the Hellenistic and Roman Era. Dating back to the 8th century B.C.  and known as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the cult center the Temple of Artemis is just one of the must-see monuments when you visit Ephesus. Another famous building identified with the ancient city of Ephesus is the "Celsus Library", which impresses visitors with its magnificent columns. The theater with a capacity of 25,000 people, stadium, trade and state agora, the Hestia Temple, the 1800-seat odeon (assembly and concert hall) and the ancient harbor are other must-see structures. Ephesus was one of the most important metropolises of the ancient world. So it’s no surprise that it was also a center for medicine as well.