Ephesus as a Centre of Pilgrimage
From The Observatory
Date
November 5, 2025
Location
Austrian Archaeological Institute
Area
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For centuries Ephesus, with its patron goddess Artemis and her temples, had been one of the most important pilgrimage centres of the pagan Graeco-Roman world. Its international reputation as a religious centre was not lost in the course of the 4th century AD in the light of the gradual victory of Christianity over the pagan pantheon. Rather, the metropolis Ephesus should continue to maintain this outstanding religious status. However, it was Christian saints who were at the centre of veneration – first and foremost Saint John and his burial church. In addition, there is also the Virgin Mary and a whole list of other saints and martyrs who enjoyed special veneration and continue to do so to this day.
Participants
Austrian Academy of Sciences, OeAW-OeAI
Organizer, Host | Homepage
Since 1.1.2021, the Austrian Archaeological Institute (OeAI) focuses on the foundational research in the field of archaeology and classical studies at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW). The core mission is the investigation of human history from the Quaternary period up to the modern era, taking into consideration all material archaeological sources and written traditions. The institute consists of the three departments Prehistory and Western Asia/North African Archaeology, Historical Archaeology and Classical Studies, which cover the entire professional curriculum and the variety of methods of the disciplines represented. Interdisciplinarity and professional interconnections distinguish the Institute, which is expressed in the creation of central facilities for Archaeological Sciences, Digital Archaeology and Classics and Heritage Science. The extensive research infrastructure of the Institute consists of laboratories, workshops, a technical pool and mobile equipment, as well as archives, collections and the largest archaeological professional library in Austria.
