Located along the Küçük Menderes River, the Harbor of Ephesos was one of the most important harbors in Western Anatolia during antiquity. Thanks to this, Ephesos became a significant trade center of its time.
The harbor had docks made of sturdy stone blocks for ships to dock and safely unload their cargo. During the Roman period, the harbor area was expanded, and docks were added on both sides to accommodate more ships. Additionally, large warehouses near the harbor were used for storing goods.
Ships docking at the harbor unloaded their cargo and took on new loads, while visitors arriving in the city passed through Harbor Street to enter the city. Starting from the harbor and ending at the ancient theater, Harbor Street featured three monumental gates, showcasing the splendor of Ephesos and dazzling its visitors with its grandeur.
Over time, the silt carried by the Küçük Menderes River severed the city’s connection to the sea. To overcome this blockage, an artificial canal was built during the Roman period, allowing the harbor to remain operational for a while longer. Still, it was ultimately impossible to reverse the process. As Ephesos lost its harbor and its connection to the sea, the city gradually declined in importance.
Today, the area where the harbor was located lies approximately 5-6 kilometers inland from the sea. The vegetation surrounding the area marks the boundaries of the harbor constructed during ancient times. Excavations conducted today help us understand the size and commercial structure of the Ephesos Harbor. The remains of warehouses and customs buildings around the harbor, along with a customs inscription that was discovered, reveal the past significance of this region.