Trade in Ephesus

Once upon a time, the world would meet in Ephesus.

With the silk of the East and the olive oil of the West, the spices of India and the wines of Greece… All would change hands at the same dock, in the same marketplace. Because Ephesus was not only an ancient city but also one of the oldest and most vibrant centers of global trade.

The Commercial Golden Age of Ephesus

In ancient times, Ephesus was described as the largest trade and banking center in Asia. The city was a popular stop not only for pilgrims and armies but also for kings, princes, generals, and merchants. The main reason was Ephesus’s location:

It was the gateway of Anatolia to the west.

It formed a crossing point between East and West.

It was the starting point of the Royal Road, which began in Susa and ended in Ephesus.

Its harbor was at the heart of ancient maritime trade. Goods from Persia, Syria, and India were loaded here; products from Greece and all corners of the Mediterranean were unloaded here. Fabrics, spices, olive oil, wine, metals, perfumes, and many more… There was nothing that Ephesus didn’t have.

Throughout the day, sailboats of different sizes would dock and depart; warehouses, storerooms, and shipyards worked tirelessly. With the abundance of trade, the city became a cosmopolitan center:

Ionians, Lydians, Romans, Armenians, and Jews… All would meet here, money changed hands, agreements were made, and languages mingled.

A Sanctuary, A Showcase, A Passage

Ephesus was significant not only economically, but also politically and socially. Thanks to the sanctity of the Temple of Artemis, many people, including kings in trouble, found immunity in this city. This made Ephesus not only a port but also a safe refuge.

Trade in the city was conducted not only through physical goods but also through ideas and cultures. Every visitor brought their language, values, and wisdom. Thus, Ephesus became a center where not only goods but also civilizations exchanged.