Ephesus was the second-largest city in the Roman Empire over 250.000 people in the 1st BC. Ranking only behind Rome it was the second-largest city in the world. Ephesus was the harbor city. This giant city was built only with marble. Did you know Ephesus had the largest amphitheater in the ancient world over 25.000 seats? Also see Goddess Nike, Local pharmacy, Hadrian Gate, Library of Celcius (the third largest library), Marbel Street, Harbour Street. The House of Virgin Mary is a place where according to the beliefs of many people Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her last years of her life. She was supposed to arrive at Ephesus together with St. John and lived there in the years 37-45 CE until her Assumption or Dormition.