The History of Ephesus

Although this is by no means an exhaustive history of Ephesus, these tid-bits will give you some general insight into the time and culture of the Ephesians.

1st intro dates from 7th century B.C.
                    member of the Ionian League
Late 500's   captured by Lydian King
                    built Temple of Artemis
546              captured by Persian Cyprus the Great (see Daniel)
                    used as a military base
454              under leadership from Athens
409-334       back and forth between Spartan and Persian rule
334              captured by Alexander the Great

50 year period of prosperity
Hellenistic Period- prosperous

189             Romans took over

Augustan Period- Ephesus became one of the most important Roman cities in Anatolic.
by 14 A.D.  largest and most important city of the Roman Empire in Asia

(meanwhile Christianity is spreading)

37-42 A.D. John brought Mary to Ephesus it is believed
57 A.D.      Riot in theater against Paul (Acts 19)
262 A.D.    Ephesus sacked by Gotus and destroyed Temple of Artemis

Beginning of Middle Ages the port silted up. It is no longer a seaport or center of international trade.
14th century: Ephesus was abandoned