The legend says that the city was founded by Androclos on the lands inhabited by the Lelegians and Carians. The area was colonized by the Ionians most probably around the 10th century before Christ. In the 2nd century before Christ Ephesus was conquered by the Romans and became the most significant town in their Asian province, particularly so due to its large natural port. The town started to decline after around the 3rd century the bay filled up with sand. Later the town moved, changed its name to Ayasulug and continued its existence during the Middle ages.
The extraordinarily preserved town keeps evidence about the numerous cultures connected with its extremely rich history.
The Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Wonders of the World - is located here. Other landmarks include the Agoras, the Theatre, the Marble Road, the Celsus Library, the Terrace Houses, the Church of St. John and the Isa Bey Mosque.