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THE DOUBLE CHURCHES or |
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Down the hill from the Acropolis and to the right is The Double Churches also known as the
Church of Virgin Mary. This is the most important of the Christian edifices at Ephesus,
constructed during the first half of the 2nd century AD.
In the middle of the city, this impressive structure (30 x 260 m) was originally called "Muselon" but its exact function is disputed. The central location suggests a business and exchange use of the building. The name Muselon, or Hall of Muses, also indicates that the building was used for higher education of some form. During the chaotic times of the 3rd century AD, the building was abandoned. At the beginning of the 4th century, local Christians converted the western part of the structure into the first Christian basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Entrance to the church was through a large square atrium and a mosaic- paved narthex. Later modifications include a domed church and a baptistery, still in a fine state of preservation.This is
the site where the Ecumenical Council of 431 AD met and agreed to accept Jesus as the son of the Virgin Mary and the Son of God. |
