Library of Celsus

Statue of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum--perhaps the one that stood in his library

Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus was a Greek with Roman citizenship from Ephesus, which is now in Turkey. His son built the Library of Celsus in honor of his father.

Celsus was of Greek origin but had Roman citizenship. He was from either Sardis or Ephesus. His family had served the Romans in various capacities and were granted citizenship. In 69 while an equestrian, Celsus’ legion acclaimed Vaspasian emperor. Once emperor, Vaspasian returned the favor by making Celsus a senator. He then served as counsel of Rome in 92 and eventually was made governor of Asia (105-107) by Trajan.

Wealthy and popular, Celsus was buried inside the city walls of Ephesus, which was a high honor. (Most people were buried outside the walls, which is where the cemeteries were located.) Celsus had set aside money for his memorial library to be built, which was carried out by his son, Julius Aquila Polemaeanus.