Ephesus Agora to Temple of Domitian foundation survey

This video shows the location of where a great temple to Domitian stood during one of the most difficult periods of time for Ephesian Christians. This video can be used in conjunction with similar, “survey” videos of Ephesus in our library. In the final frames of this video, you’ll see a flat, grassy area above some arches. The temple, enormous in size, stood on the flat area. The arches were part of the structure that made an artificial platform for the building. Because the platform was elevated, the temple would have been the highest and most impressive structure in the city. Christians suffered greatly under Domitian’s rule. He was convinced he was divine and he demanded worship. The letter to the Ephesians in Revelation (Revelation 2:1-7) is a challenge to followers to remain fully committed to Jesus, no matter the cost. Some of the letters to six other churches in Revelation give hints to the persecution of that era. At least one Christian had already been executed for his faith in Pergamon (Revelation 2:13). To get a better understanding of how Domitian’s temple dominated life in Ephesus, watch our videos of Tragan’s temple in Pergamon.