Scholastikia Baths, Ephesus

The ancient Greek and Roman city of Ephesus is located on the west coast of Asia Minor. In Roman Times, Ephesus had some 250,000 citizens. Ephesus was destroyed by the Goths in 263 AD, but still existed during the Byzantine period. This three-level Bath complex from the 1st-2nd centuries AD is one of the largest structures in Ephesus. Located on the northern side of Curetes street, between the Trajan Fountain and the Temple of Hadrian, the Bath was annexed by the Public Latrine and the Brothel. The Bath's two entrance doors opened into the large hall of the Apodyterium. A Frigidarium with an elliptical cold water pool, and a Tepidarium room entered via an arched portal were discovered to the west and north of the Apodyterium, respectively. A niche in the Apodyterium hall houses a statue of Scholastikia, who renovated the Bathhouse circa 400 AD, during which the floor was covered with marble. The original floor can still be seen in a small area paved with coloured marble mosaic. The well-preserved Caldarium was entered via a narrow door from the Tepidarium. Marble and brick plates covered its walls during renovations. West of the Caldarium found is the Bath's Hypocaust.