Abstract
This richly informative and lavishly illustrated volume originated at the International Society of Biblical Literature meeting in Vienna in 2014. During two sessions at that meeting scholars in various disciplines had the opportunity to interact with archaeologists from the Österrichisches Archäologisches Institut in relation to their recent work at the Ephesus site. The book comprises thirteen chapters arranged in three sections. The section respectively deal with archaeological insights into structures, spaces, and objects in relation to late antique Ephesus. The front matter provides up-to-date plans and site maps of the site and of certain specific important features in the city.
The first section dealing with structures contains four essays. The first, by Sabine Ladstätter, presents the latest research ‘on the monumental precinct of the Flavian Temple (Temple of Domitian) near the Upper Agora of the city’ (p. 2). This fascinating study describes a significant portion of the pre-existing city being buried under the podium on which the new temple was built. This chapter also explains how the latest geophysical techniques are being used to reconstruct the archaeology of the site (pp. 11-40). The next chapter by Thekla Schulz focuses on the so-called Serapion. In this study the link between physical structures and the worship of Egyptian gods is discussed (pp. 41-61). The next two chapter will be of particular interest to scholars of Christian religion. Renate Pillinger’s essay ‘Thekla in the Cave of St. Paul at Ephesos’ (pp. 62-72), discusses the wall painting of Paul and Thekla. Based on the multiple layers of wall painting it is concluded that the space was an early Christian cave church. The painting under discussion also contains a unique depiction of Theokleia, the mother of Thekla, known from the Acts of Paul and Thekla. In chapter four, Andreas Pülz investigates the late Roman and Byzantine period to discern evidence of Christian presence in the city (pp. 73-89). Many examples of Christian decoration and iconography are found both in private and public spaces.
The second section presents six essays under the heading ‘spaces’. Probably for scholars of the New Testament Lilli Zabrana’s essay ‘The Artemision in the Roman Era: New Results of Research within the Sanctuary of Artemis’ (pp. 158-170) will be of great interest. The study portrays an area of busy activity around the sanctuary. The identification of possible residential spaces within the precinct is seen as being possibly ‘accommodation for priests, cult specific employees, as well as shelter for persons officially granted asylum in this area’ (p. 168). The final three essays of section three discuss a variety of objects discovered during archaeological research at the Ephesus site. The first uses a range of evidence such as inscriptions and coins to show the development of a Roman ruler cult in the city. The second essay discusses the evidence for worship in domestic spaces revealed by finds in ‘the seven peristyle houses that form the insula of Terrace House 2’ (p. 211). The evidence includes reliefs, figurines and wall paintings. Here Zimmermann notes the lack of standardisation of practice, instead ‘the rich evidence attests a range of important religious phenomena, including at least the veneration of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian deities, the presence of agathos daimon as a snake, the maintenance of ancestor cults, and the practice of sacrifices during construction’ (p. 227).
This outstanding collection of essays enriches the understanding of the varied religious, civic and domestic life in ancient Ephesus. As such it casts much fresh light on life in this important city during the late antique period.