The Settlement of Ephesus by Ionian Greeks

The settlement of Ephesus by Ionian Greeks is believed to have occurred around the 10th century BCE. The Ionians were one of the four major tribes of ancient Greece, and they were known for their focus on trade and commerce.

Ephesus was strategically located near the coast and the mouth of the Cayster River, which made it an ideal location for trade and commerce. The city quickly grew and prospered, becoming a major center of trade and culture in the region.

The earliest archaeological evidence of settlement in Ephesus comes from the Bronze Age, with the discovery of pottery and other artifacts from the period. However, it was during the Archaic period of Greek history (c. 800 BCE - 500 BCE) that Ephesus really began to flourish.

During this time, the city was ruled by a series of tyrants, who oversaw the construction of important public works such as the Temple of Artemis. The city also became a center of learning, with philosophers such as Heraclitus and Parmenides living and teaching there.

Despite political and social upheavals in the region, Ephesus continued to thrive throughout the Classical and Hellenistic periods of Greek history, as well as the Roman period that followed. Its importance as a center of trade and culture only increased over time, and it remained a major city until its decline and eventual abandonment in the Middle Ages.