There are many early Christian basilicas that are lost to history, but in most instances newer one's have taken their place. For that reason there is something especially sad about seeing an early Christian basilica that is simply left derelict and in ruin, especially when it was also an historically prominent one. Such is the case of the Basilica of St. John located in the ancient Greek city of Ephesus (now located in modern day Turkey).
This basilica was constructed by the Emperor Justinian in the sixth century over what was said to be the site of tomb of the apostle John. It replaced another, even earlier church founded on this same site, a church that was already ancient and worn down by Justinian's time. This new church was constructed in a typical Eastern Roman, Byzantine style and, according to the Greek historian Procopius, it took its design inspiration from the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. The actual dates for its construction are A.D. 548-565 and the construction was overseen by the local bishop of Epheuus, Hypatius.
This basilica was cruciform in shape and included typical features such as a long, columned nave; a sanctuary surrounded by a balustrade, a ciborium covering the altar and tomb of St. John, and a synthronon located behind. There was also an octagonal baptistery attached to the basilica, as well as a forecourt.
The interior walls of the basilica were covered in polychrome marbles, as were the columns and there was a decorative stone pavement for the basilica's floor. Mosaic work ornamented the ceiling and at some point following the main construction of the church, iconographic paintings were also added, a few of which are still extant.
In short, it sounds like both familiar and noble, and between the basilica's imperial patronage and its connection with the Apostle John, it would go on to become one of the most important Christian sites in the region -- though one which, sadly, history would not be as generous toward.
RECONSTRUCTIONS OF THE EXTERIOR
Reconstructions aside, here is a look at some of all that remains of the basilica today. (We will highlight a few of the key areas of the basilica which are fortunately still distinguishable today.)
SANCTUARY
 |
| View from the sythnronon looking back toward the altar, transepts and toward the nave |
 |
| View of the columns of the ciborium covering the altar and tomb of St. John. |
 |
| One can see here the remnants of some of the decorative pavement within the sanctuary |
We can also still see pieces of the balustrade that surrounded the sanctuary.
THE NAVE
Turning toward the nave, one can still see one of the rows of columns that would have lined it to either side, with two smaller, outer naves to either side.
A closer look at the columns reveal that some of the capitals still retain the monograms of the basilica's patrons, the Emperor Justinian and the Empress Theodora.
 |
| Imperial monograms of Justinian (left) and Theodora (right) |
THE BAPTISTERY
The baptistery of the church also follows an ancient form, being octagonal in shape, while the baptismal font itself is set in a cross like form which could be ascended and descended into by two sets of steps.
 |
| A look at some of the few extant marble revetments that covered the walls of the baptistery. |
 |
| A view of the small outer court surrounding the baptistery, which included a fountain, perhaps to fill the baptismal pool by. |
 |
| The fountain. |
MISCELLENIA
We will conclude with a few other odds and ends that show some of the decorative sculptural work that could be found within the basilica.
 |
| Remains of a decorative coffered ceiling |
 |
| Sculptural remnants |
 |
| Remains of some of the iconography |
It is truly a shame that this great imperial, Ephesian basilica was ultimately lost to Christendom.
-------
Do you like Liturgical Arts Journal's original content? You can help support LAJ in its mission and vision to promote beauty in Catholic worship either by:
You choose the amount! Your support makes all the difference.
