Sacred Way (Marble Street): A Journey Through Daily Life in Ephesus

Introduction

The Sacred Way, also known as Marble Street, offers a vivid experience of walking in the footsteps of ancient Ephesians. This beautifully preserved road connects the Great Theatre with the Celsus Library and is a highlight of any visit to the ancient city.

Historical Background

Constructed in the 1st century AD, the Sacred Way was one of the main arteries of Ephesus. Unlike the Harbour Street, which served more formal and ceremonial functions, the Sacred Way bustled with daily life, commerce, and city traffic. The street’s name reflects its alignment with important religious and civic structures.

Architectural and Cultural Highlights

• Paved with large marble slabs and bearing deep ruts from wheeled carts.
• Features visible parts of an advanced water and sewerage system beneath the stones.
• Originally lined with colonnades, shops, and monuments.
• On the right side stood the Commercial Agora, the business heart of the city, dating back to the 3rd century BC.
• Gladiator carvings etched into stone can still be seen along the street, adding character and historical intrigue.

Life Along the Sacred Way

• Shops sold food, pottery, cloth, and artisanal goods to locals and travelers alike.
• The so-called Brothel, located on the left toward the end of the street, may have been a private home. It features a striking mosaic of the Four Seasons in its main hall.
• The Sacred Way culminates at the Embolos, where it meets the Gate of Augustus and the Library of Celsus, while Curetes Street begins its incline to the east.

Visitor Experience Today

• A walk along the Sacred Way provides a layered glimpse into ancient urban life—religion, commerce, architecture, and even humor through its graffiti.
• This street is ideal for understanding how different zones of the city were connected.
• The visible infrastructure beneath the road is particularly fascinating for those interested in Roman engineering.