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Entertainment played a significant roll in ancient times. This is clearly evident by the Great/Grand Theater of Ephesus. It is located on the slope of the Panayir Hill, and is easily seen when you enter Ephesus from the south.
Lysimachus, one of Alexander the Great’s generals, is traditionally credited with building the first theater in Ephesus, a project that may have taken about 60 years of digging in the mountainside. The theater that we see today was an enlargement by the Romans after their style of theaters.
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It is the largest theater in Asia Minor, with a seating capacity for 25,000 people. In those ancient days, a theater was not merely for dramatic performances. It also served as a place for social, political, and religious demonstrations. There is also evidence that gladiator-type games took place here.
This specific theater is mentioned in the New Testament concerning an uprising against the apostle Paul. It was started by a silversmith named Demetrius, provoking his fellow-craftsmen to a public out cry against Paul. “Great is Diana [Artemis] of Ephesians,” became their battle cry. Demetrius thought Paul’s “religion” could destroy their businesses. They made their living by selling statues of Diana [Artemis] to pilgrims visiting Ephesus. A major riot started against Paul. [Read Act 19:23-41 for the full account.]
This specific theater is mentioned in the New Testament concerning an uprising against the apostle Paul. It was started by a silversmith named Demetrius, provoking his fellow-craftsmen to a public out cry against Paul. “Great is Diana [Artemis] of Ephesians,” became their battle cry. Demetrius thought Paul’s “religion” could destroy their businesses. They made their living by selling statues of Diana [Artemis] to pilgrims visiting Ephesus. A major riot started against Paul. [Read Act 19:23-41 for the full account.]
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