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Roman Beauty

and

Indulgence,

Ephesus, Turkey

by Ron McGinty

Turkey is a mesmerizing country encompassing more history than most people realize.

The imagined noises were raging in our ears, perched above homes, including large terraces for entertaining. Ironically, there
the main Gladiator colosseum. The cries and echoes of requests was a communal latrine where people could chat about common
for death traversing decades of history were ever-present. Here topics while defecating. Conceivably this was not a concern
we witnessed the natural history of Roman society. For a brief because most did not wear clothing under a sheer silk toga.
moment in time, we could experience the mindset of an ever- The Romans were highly sophisticated and well-educated,
changing world. Traveling through Europe, the Roman influence evident by the incredible ruin, the library, which is still partially
is evident everywhere. Impressively, Ephesus, Turkey, emphasizes standing today. Latin was the primary language of the written
Roman life in the sixteenth-century era. Their power came from word, but Greek was the essential spoken language
an authoritarian regime known for notoriety, opulent structures, More often than not, Romans spent time in multiple
and lavish living standards. homes, for example, Ephesus to Pompeo. Ephesus features an
Through the ages, the wealthy were always flaunting their way amphitheater that still holds 24,000 people. The stones in front
of life. The upper-class slaves' lifestyle was prevalent, comprising of the arena were gravesites for those who perished in the games.
over thirty-five percent of the population. Slaves included many They enjoyed dining out, gymnasiums, and bathhouses, not to
people, including Christians, and not only dark-skin individuals. mention sexual exploits. Not to be denied all forms of pleasure, the
Irony loomed at this large Gladiator stadium because they city created prostitution zones. Plausibility, the town spawned the
honored them with a cemetery for the fallen adjacent to the early "Red Light" district. This remarkable city had monumental
arena's walls of death. The victorious gladiators were world-class accents of paved marble streets lined with tall marble columns.
athletes. Cities loved the excitement of large-scale spectator Strolling down the beautiful walkway, you envision the past hustle
games of chariot races, gladiator fights, and other sporting events. and bustle of neighbors and chariots.
The rich and extravagant homes had handmade, imported Turkey is a mesmerizing country encompassing more history
floors and wall tiles. Roman nobility loved to socialize in their than most people realize. Historians write, the Virgin Mary,

84 Life in Naples | April 2022