PRYTANEION OF EPHESUS

Immediately behind this basilica stood such important buildings as the prytaneion and odeon (bouleuterion). The prytaneion was a sort of city hall, serving religious purposes, official receptions, and banquets.

The eternal fire, which symbolized the hearts of Ephesus, burned within it. Members of prominent families of the city cared for it so that its fire never died out.

The greater part of this complex dates to the Augustan age, although its construction was only completed in the third century CE. A courtyard surrounded by stoas stood in front of it.

Towards the back, there was a large, roofed space, in the center of which the base of an altar is still recognizable. In the two additional rooms that lie west of this main hall, archaelogists discovered two beautiful statues of Artemis. These are now on display in the Ephesus Museum.