Ancient Library of Celsus at Ephesus
Designed by the Roman architect Vitruoya, the library was built in memory of Celsus Polemeanus, who was a Roman senator, General Governor of the Province of Asia, and a great lover of books. Celsus' son, Julius Aquila, began the construction in 110 AD. The library was completed by Julius Aquila's successors in 135 AD.
The interior of the library measures 10,92 by 16,72 meters and is covered with decorative marble.
Between 12,000 and 15,000 scrolls were housed in the library.
In 262, during the Gothic attacks, the interior of the library was burnt completely but the facade was not affected much.
(photos: I took these photos of the Library of Celsus and the crowd when Cheri and I visited Ephesus in September, 2011.I might have shown these photos before.)
Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Alyce at At Home With Books.
text taken from 2 sources: http://architecture.about.com/od/ancientromanempire/ss/ephesus.htm
11 comments:
Oh my I love the column of colorfully clad people streaming through the scene.
Thanks for stopping by my blog too.
I've not seen them before! Amazing architecture, and just think of all those scrolls burnt and lost... My Snapshot is here http://goo.gl/ZsnvZ
Wow that must have been something to see up close! Ruins always make me wonder how ancient civilizations built such enormous and elaborate structures.
It's inspiring to find out that they treasured books so much they housed them in such beautiful marble clad buildings.
Luv the photos♫♪ Thanks for sharing!
What an extraordinary place. Shame it was so crowded.
Wow, amazing photos here. I really LOVE your header photo especially.
Hope you are enjoying the weekend -
Sue
Book By Book
I love libraries of all kinds...this one looks really impressive. Thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.
Love photos of libraries. Even ruined ones, although I didn't know that until just now.
Joy's Book Blog
One can only imagine what the library looked like before it was ruined.
I don't recall learning about this library before. Ancient libraries hold a fascination for all of that history that they encased.
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