Gate of Mazeus and Mithridates
Gate of Mazeus and Mithridates in Izmir, Turkey
The Gate of Mazeus and Mithridates is located in ancient Ephesus, near the modern town of Selcuk in Izmir Province. It is the ceremonial entrance to the State Agora - the central public square of the Roman city, connected to one of the main streets of Ephesus and situated next to the Library of Celsus.
The structure belongs to the early Roman period and is usually dated to the beginning of the 1st century CE. A dedicatory inscription links the gate to Emperor Augustus, Livia, Agrippa, and Julia, and also gives the names of its builders - Mazeus and Mithridates, former slaves who had gained their freedom. This detail makes the monument especially interesting for those who want to better understand the social history of Ephesus.
Today, the surviving columns, arches, and fragments of decorative elements allow visitors to imagine the original appearance of the entrance to the agora. The monument is important not only as an individual structure, but also as part of the urban layout: it helps show how commercial, administrative, and public spaces were organized in Ephesus.
For tourists, it is a convenient and informative stop on the route through the archaeological zone. The gate fits well into a visit to the central part of Ephesus and provides a clear impression of Roman architecture, official dedications, and the layout of the ancient city.
Gate of Mazeus and Mithridates on the map
The Gate of Mazeus and Mithridates and the State Agora of Ephesus
An architectural entrance to the main square of Roman Ephesus.
The ceremonial entrance to the State Agora of Roman Ephesus
During your visit, it is worth paying attention to the surviving supports, arch spans, and stone masonry, which show that the entrance was not utilitarian but representative. The inscriptions on the structure are especially important: they not only indicate the dedication to members of the imperial family, but also preserve the names of the people on whose initiative the gate was built.
It is best to view the gate as part of the overall route through Ephesus rather than as an isolated monument. It helps explain where the territory of the State Agora began and how visitors entered one of the city's key public spaces. In this area, it is easy to trace the connection between streets, squares, and major public buildings.
Nearby are the Library of Celsus, Curetes Street, and the Great Theatre, so the gate is usually visited on the way between the main monuments of the excavation site. For photographs and a closer look, it is best to choose a time outside the peak influx of tour groups, when the architectural details are easier to see.
You can reach it through the archaeological zone of Ephesus from the Selcuk side, usually on foot along the main excavation route after entering the complex. Since the area is open and has almost no shade, it is useful to bring water and sun protection during the warm season.
Best tours and travel experiences across the continent
Photos of the gate
Guided tours, popular attractions, and top-rated hotels across the continent
