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The Gate of Persecution - Ephesus, Turkey
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The Gate of Persecution - Ephesus, Turkey
The Gate of Persecution - Ephesus, Turkey. In the 6th century Emperor Justinian, decided to build a large basilica on the assumed tomb of St. John the Evangelist. This gate (leading to the church) was most likely the result of relocating the entrance of a Roman building (including the relief which decorated it). This carving portrayed Achilles killing an enemy, but over time it was thought to depict a gladiator killing a Christian martyr, hence the name given to the gate! Date: circa 1910s
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Gate of Persecution in Ephesus, Turkey, stands as a testament to the rich historical layers of this ancient city. In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian ordered the construction of a grand basilica on the assumed tomb of St. John the Evangelist. During this construction, the entrance to a Roman building was relocated and its decorative relief was incorporated into the new structure. The relief on the gate, which dates back to the 1st or 2nd century AD, originally depicted the mythological hero Achilles killing an enemy. However, as Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, the image was reinterpreted, and the figure of Achilles was believed to represent a gladiator killing a Christian martyr. This misinterpretation gave rise to the name "The Gate of Persecution." Despite the inaccurate name, the gate remains an intriguing piece of Ephesus's history. The intricate carvings on its surface depict scenes of battle and violence, reflecting the turbulent past of this ancient city. The gate's integration into the basilica also highlights the complex interplay between the Roman and Christian worlds in Ephesus. Today, The Gate of Persecution stands among the ruins of Ephesus, a reminder of the city's rich history and its role in the spread of Christianity. The gate's intriguing past continues to captivate visitors, inviting them to explore the stories hidden within its intricate carvings and the layers of history that surround it.
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