Library of Celsus (Ephesus, Turkey)
Dublin Core
Title
Library of Celsus (Ephesus, Turkey)
Subject
Library of Celsus (Ephesus, Turkey)--Pictorial works.
Libraries--Turkey--Ephesus (Extinct city)--Pictorial works.
Excavations (Archaeology)--Turkey--Ephesus (Extinct city)--Pictorial works.
Libraries--Turkey--Ephesus (Extinct city)--Pictorial works.
Excavations (Archaeology)--Turkey--Ephesus (Extinct city)--Pictorial works.
Description
The Library of Celsus was built in Ephesus to honor the Roman Senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, as well as to serve as his tomb. The library was completed in 117 AD by his' son, Gaius Julius Aquila (consul, 110 AD). Celsus had been consul in 92 AD, and governor of Asia in 115. He was of Greek origin. The dedicatory inscription on the library gives the details on the building.
More information can be found at the Duke University web site: http://people.duke.edu/~wj25/uc_web_site/libraries/celsus.html
More information can be found at the Duke University web site: http://people.duke.edu/~wj25/uc_web_site/libraries/celsus.html
Creator
Michael W. Handis
Date
March 3, 2015
Rights
Copyright Michael W. Handis, all rights reserved.
Format
jpeg
Language
English
Collection Items
Statue of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus
Though housed in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, this statue of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus may have stood in the apse of his library in Ephesus.
It was not uncommon for Roman libraries to have statuary to the gods or benefactors. In…
It was not uncommon for Roman libraries to have statuary to the gods or benefactors. In…
Plan of the Library of Celsus.
This plan shows the three doors into the interior as well as the recessed niches for the bookcases, common in Roman library architecture. The apse in the middle of the far wall probably held a statue of Celsus, since his tomb is directly below. The…
Facade, Library of Celsus
Two photographs.
The first is the facade as it was reconstructed in the 1970s. The second is a close-up of the two sets of columns and ceilings on the Library of Celsus facade. The column capitals are a hybrid of the Ionic order. Some of the…
The first is the facade as it was reconstructed in the 1970s. The second is a close-up of the two sets of columns and ceilings on the Library of Celsus facade. The column capitals are a hybrid of the Ionic order. Some of the…
Main entrance, Library of Celsus.
The central entrance of three into the Library of Celsus is pictured. The size of the people can be contrasted with the columns. In front of the door at the bottom of the steps is the remains of an altar.
Ceiling decoration, facade of the Library of Celsus
A close-up of one of the ceilings between the columns and the wall of the facade of the Library of Celsus. The ceiling is divided into four with flowers in the center of each square, which is in turn decorated around the sides.
Apse inside Library of Celsus.
This central apse probably contained a larger than life statue of Julius Celsus Polemaenus, the man for whom the building was named. Celsus' tomb is also under the apse. A hallway between the walls led to a staircase down to the crypt.
Library of Celsus before reconstruction of the facade.
This photograph is probably from when the library was first excavated. There is no facade to speak of, and the inside room of the library is clearly visible.
Inscriptions in German and Turkish, Library of Celsus.
These inscriptions, in German and Turkish, are on either side of the main entrance into the Library of Celsus. The translation is:
"Library and memorial of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus. With the agreement of the general administration for…
"Library and memorial of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus. With the agreement of the general administration for…
Floor of the Library of Celsus.
The floor of the Library of Celsus. This appears to be new stone, perhaps based on a design found in the library or elsewhere. It was restored with the rest of the building 1970-1978.
Reading room of the Library of Celsus.
Three photographs.
The left and right sides of the reading room show the doorways to the passageways between the two walls. The two walls helped trap the condensation, which could damage the books. Also, these passageways led to the staircase to…
The left and right sides of the reading room show the doorways to the passageways between the two walls. The two walls helped trap the condensation, which could damage the books. Also, these passageways led to the staircase to…