Izmir was the port they used to get us to Ephesus. Ephesus was founded in the 13th century BC but they silted up their port, so Ephesus remained forgotten and buried until uncovered in modern times. Unlike ruins under major cities, most of Ephesus has been uncovered making it an excellent archaeological site to visit. Ephesus was one of the first Chrisitan communities, was visited by Paul, and some say Mary died there.
