A Bibliography of Ancient Ephesus

Ancient Ephesus, one of the most prominent cities of classical antiquity, has been a focal point of scholarly research due to its rich history, vibrant culture, and significant role in early Christianity. This bibliography is intended to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers, historians, and students interested in the study of ancient Ephesus. The following sources are categorized into primary sources, scholarly books, journal articles, and reputable online resources. The bibliography is formatted in APA style.

Primary Sources

1. The New Testament. (NIV). (1984). The Bible. Zondervan.
   • This source includes the Book of Ephesians, the Acts of the Apostles, and the Book of Revelation, which provide key references to Ephesus in the early Christian period.
2. Strabo. (2008).Geographica. (H.C. Hamilton & W. Falconer, Trans.). Loeb Classical Library.
   • Strabo’s Geographica offers a detailed account of the geography, cities, and cultures of the ancient world, including Ephesus.
3. Pausanias. (1918).Description of Greece. (W.H.S. Jones, Trans.). Loeb Classical Library.
   • Pausanias provides a detailed description of Greece, including the cultural and religious practices in Ephesus.
4. Pliny the Elder. (1855).Natural History. (J. Bostock & H.T. Riley, Trans.). Taylor and Francis.
   • Pliny’s Natural History includes references to Ephesus, particularly its Temple of Artemis.
5. Herodotus. (1920).The Histories. (A.D. Godley, Trans.). Loeb Classical Library.
   • Herodotus’ Histories offers insights into the early history of Ephesus and its place in the broader context of ancient Asia Minor.

Scholarly Books

1. Foss, C. (1979).Ephesus After Antiquity: A Late Antique, Byzantine and Turkish City. Cambridge University Press.
   • This book provides an in-depth analysis of the transformation of Ephesus from a classical city to its role in the Byzantine and early Turkish periods.
2. Rogers, G.M. (1991).The Mysteries of Artemis of Ephesus: Cult, Polis, and Change in the Graeco-Roman World. Yale University Press.
   • Rogers explores the religious and cultural significance of the cult of Artemis in Ephesus, and how it evolved over time.
3. Knibbe, D. (1998).Ephesus: History and Archaeology. Ege Yayınları.
   • This book offers a comprehensive overview of the history and archaeological discoveries in Ephesus, making it an essential resource for scholars.
4. MacDonald, W. (1987).The Architecture of the Roman Empire, Volume II: An Urban Appraisal. Yale University Press.
   • MacDonald’s work provides a detailed examination of Roman architecture, with specific references to the urban development of Ephesus.
5. Koester, H. (2004).Ephesos: Metropolis of Asia: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Its Archaeology, Religion, and Culture. Harvard University Press.
   • This interdisciplinary study of Ephesus examines its role as a major urban center, with contributions from various scholars on its archaeology, religion, and cultural life.

Journal Articles

1. Inan, J. (1984). The Inscriptions of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus. Anatolian Studies, 34(1), 67-89.
   • This article analyzes the inscriptions found at the Temple of Artemis, providing insights into the religious and political life of Ephesus.
2. Thomas, C.G. (2004). The Economic Role of Ephesus in the Roman Empire. Journal of Ancient History, 23(2), 145-164.
   • Thomas discusses the economic significance of Ephesus during the Roman period, focusing on its role as a trade hub.
3. Coulton, J.J. (2005). The Urban Development of Ephesus. Classical Quarterly, 55(3), 129-155.
   • This article examines the urban planning and architectural development of Ephesus, highlighting the city’s importance in the ancient world.
4. Ramsay, W.M. (1894). St. Paul in Ephesus. The Expositor, 6(7), 32-49.
   • Ramsay provides an analysis of St. Paul’s activities in Ephesus, drawing on both biblical and archaeological evidence.
5. Horsley, R.A. (1995). The Politics of Ephesus and the Impact of Christianity. Journal of Biblical Literature, 114(2), 297-317.
   • Horsley’s article explores the intersection of politics and religion in Ephesus, with a focus on the influence of early Christianity.

Reputable Online Resources

1. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Ephesus. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1018/
   • The official UNESCO website provides detailed information on Ephesus as a World Heritage site, including its history and significance.
2. Perseus Digital Library. (n.d.). Ephesus. Retrieved from http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/
   • The Perseus Digital Library offers a wide range of primary sources and scholarly articles related to Ephesus, making it a valuable resource for researchers.
3. Archaeological Institute of America. (n.d.). Ephesus: An Archaeological Guide. Retrieved from https://www.archaeological.org/
   • This site provides an accessible guide to the archaeological findings in Ephesus, suitable for both academics and the general public.
4. BiblePlaces.com. (n.d.). Ephesus. Retrieved from https://www.bibleplaces.com/ephesus/
   • BiblePlaces.com offers a detailed look at the biblical significance of Ephesus, with a wealth of images and historical context.
5. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. (n.d.). Ephesus and the Surrounding Region. Retrieved from https://www.metmuseum.org/
   • The Met provides a rich collection of artifacts and scholarly articles related to the art and archaeology of Ephesus and its surroundings.

Conclusion

This comprehensive bibliography provides a diverse collection of sources for the study of ancient Ephesus, covering its history, archaeology, and cultural significance. These resources offer a robust foundation for academic research and further exploration into the rich legacy of one of the ancient world’s most influential cities. Whether you are delving into Ephesus’ role in early Christianity, its architectural marvels, or its cultural impact, this bibliography will serve as a valuable guide.