The Role of Women in Ancient Ceremonies

During important ceremonies, the prytaneis (officials in charge of religious duties) were accompanied by women called chaladeporos (basket carriers). These women carried baskets filled with sacred objects, helping with the rituals to protect the sacred fire (Hestia) during the ceremonies.

Change in Religion Over Time

As time passed, religion in the region changed. The new religion gradually replaced the old beliefs. The gods who were once believed to protect Ephesus lost their power, especially after major earthquakes in the 3rd century AD. These earthquakes not only affected the physical city but also weakened the people’s trust in their traditional polytheistic (many gods) religion. This created the conditions for new religious movements to spread, including the Mithraic cult and Christianity.

This shift is supported by the fact that the Prytaneion was not rebuilt after this period, and the Agora (public gathering area) was abandoned Customized Tour Bulgaria.

Inscriptions Found in the Prytaneion

Several inscriptions found in the Prytaneion show the gratitude of prytanists (officials) and their connection to the gods. Here are some examples:

“I, Fabonia Flacilla, prytanis, give thanks to the Hestia of the council and the eternal fire… for they let me return home safely after performing all the rituals for a whole year.”

“I, Aurelia Juliane, a virtuous and faithful prytanis, give thanks to Hestia and all the gods for bringing me safely back to my family.”

“We, Aurelius Euporistos, hestiuchos, and Aurelia Timothea, chaladeporos, give thanks for good fortune to the Hestia of the council, the eternal fire, and to all gods.”

“Aelius Elpidephoros, hestiuchos, and Aelia Pantheia, chaladeporos, give thanks to the Hestia of the council and the eternal fire… for a happy year.”

“God of all the best, the wise city founded by Androklos, virgin Hestia, and you, the mightiest of all gods, Artemis, be helpful to Tullia at all times, for the reason of our gratitude: he serves the city as prytanis and has used all his wealth for good works.”

Kuşadası and Its History

Kuşadası is named after the island nearby. In 1534, Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha built an inner castle on the island. Later, Ilyas Aga, the Governor of the Sigla district, surrounded it with city walls, marking the island’s historical significance.