Ephesus I: Vicki at Celsus' Library

Vicki wanted to have the Celsus Library at Ephesus all to herself--a tall order considering it is the centerpiece of probably the largest and best known ancient Roman city in Asia--so we got up early Sunday morning and were likely the first people in the gate. She indeed had the Library to herself and her trusty photographer.

Dawn's rosy fingers (we've been listening to a lot of Homer

lately) peek over the mountain as we approach the city

center

And there it is just around the bend (is that a

great shot or what?)



Vicki presents the Library of Celsus Polemaeanus, Governor

of the Province of Asia Minor, 2nd century



Interestingly, the library was double-walled,

to preserve the 12,000 scrolls from humidity

and heat

Vicki on the pedestal of Athena in the

Library

The Library's porch



Arete (Goodness), one of the Four Virtues (I

would have preferred Episteme or Ennoia or

Sophia, but they didn't have heads); the

originals are in Vienna since it was the

Austrians who excavated this bit

Vicki reading at the Library