Curetes Street and the Library of Celsus, Ephesus
The marble city Paul walked — with a landmark built a generation after him
Found 1903 — Austrian Archaeological Institute (library excavated 1903–1904; facade re-erected 1970–1978 in a campaign led by Volker Michael Strocka with Friedmund Hueber)
Where Ephesus (Selçuk) (Turkey)
Dates from Street: 1st century BCE–CE; Library: c. 110–135 CE · Roman Imperial · Paul and later Yochanan (John) at Ephesus
Now at In situ at Ephesus archaeological site, Turkey
How Curetes Street and the Library of Celsus, Ephesus was found
Systematic Austrian excavations have cleared the main colonnaded streets, terrace houses, and the library facade, which was rebuilt from its fallen blocks.
What it is
Curetes Street is the marble-paved processional road running downhill from the upper agora to the library square, lined with fountains, shops, and the 'Terrace Houses' of wealthy families. The Library of Celsus was a tomb-monument and library for the proconsul Tiberius Julius Celsus, with a two-storey facade of columns and statues.
Why it matters for the Bible
Ephesus is the best-preserved city of Paul's world, and the street gives readers the feel of the place where he taught daily 'in the hall of Tyrannus' for two years (Acts 19:9–10) and where the letter to the Ephesians and Revelation 2:1–7 were read. The library, though built around 110–135 CE, is often shown as if Paul saw it; he did not. Its date is a useful reminder to separate the 1st-century city from the later showpiece ruins.
The Hebrew word: ke-hee-LAH
קְהִלָּה
קְהִלָּה is pronounced ke-hee-LAH and means assembly, congregation (Greek ekklesia) (Strong's H6951 / G1577).
People this discovery connects to
- Paul — שָׁאוּל (Shah-OOL) — asked for (Greek Paulos)
- John — יוֹחָנָן (yo-chah-NAHN) — YHVH is gracious (Greek Ioannes)
- Timothy — טִימוֹתִיּוֹס (tee-MO-tee-os) — Greek Timotheos, 'honouring God'
Places
- Ephesus — אֶפֶסוֹס (EH-feh-sos) — Greek Ephesos
Events
Paul's daily teaching in the hall of Tyrannus · Letter to the assembly at Ephesus in Revelation
Curetes Street and the Library of Celsus, Ephesus in Scripture
Acts 18:19 First mention of Ephesus in Scripture.
Acts 19:9-10 Paul taught daily in the hall of Tyrannus so that all Asia heard the word — in this city.
Revelation 2:1-4 The message to the assembly at Ephesus, first of the seven.
Questions people ask
What is Curetes Street and the Library of Celsus, Ephesus?
Curetes Street is the marble-paved processional road running downhill from the upper agora to the library square, lined with fountains, shops, and the 'Terrace Houses' of wealthy families. The Library of Celsus was a tomb-monument and library for the proconsul Tiberius Julius Celsus, with a two-storey facade of columns and statues.
When was Curetes Street and the Library of Celsus, Ephesus discovered?
It was found in 1903 by Austrian Archaeological Institute (library excavated 1903–1904; facade re-erected 1970–1978 in a campaign led by Volker Michael Strocka with Friedmund Hueber), at Ephesus (Selçuk).
Where is Curetes Street and the Library of Celsus, Ephesus today?
In situ at Ephesus archaeological site, Turkey.
Which Bible verses does Curetes Street and the Library of Celsus, Ephesus relate to?
Acts 18:19, Acts 19:9-10, Revelation 2:1-4.
Related discoveries
- אַרְטֶמִיסTemple of Artemis at EphesusOne of the Seven Wonders, whose silver shrines sparked the riot against Paul
- תֵּאַטְרוֹןGreat Theater of EphesusThe 24,000-seat theater where the silversmiths' riot shouted 'Great is Artemis'
- בַּיִתTerrace Houses (Hanghäuser) of EphesusWealthy homes of the city where Paul taught for two years
- אֱלִילִיםLystra Inscription and the Zeus–Hermes Cult StonesThe stone that located Lystra and the local worship of the two gods Paul was mistaken for
- שָׁאוּלGrotto of St Paul and the Thecla Fresco, EphesusA hillside cave with the oldest painted image of Paul found in Asia
- תֵּאַטְרוֹןTheater of CorinthRoman theater beside the Erastus pavement, seat of the city's public life
Sources
- Austrian Archaeological Institute, Ephesos excavations
- P. Scherrer (ed.), Ephesus: The New Guide (2000)
- Wikipedia, "Library of Celsus"
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