Das Vediusgymnasium In Ephesos

In the years between 147 and 149 A.D. an almost 13.000 m bath-gymnasium complex was opened in the north of Ephesos, the sponsor of which, M. Claudius P. Vedius Antoninus Phaedrus Sabinianus, gave it its current name, Vedius gymnasium. The combination of Roman baths and Greek gymnasium is an example of the model type of the bath-gymnasium mainly found in Asia Minor. This publication is the continuation of the research started in the 1920's and 1950's and the result of six years of archaeological field work which is now presented in the final publication of the monument. It includes the theoretical reconstruction of the building, its furnishings and the clarification of various technical problems of the baths as well as the archaeological-historic relevance of the complex that explains the usage and the history of the building. The discussion also takes account of the monumental building type that strongly influenced the city structure of the metropoleis of the Greek east and belonged to the core of society. The multifunctional purpose of the bath-gymnasium made it a meeting point for clubs, events took place here, educational needs were met and last but not least it was also used as a place for exercise, body care and general recreation. This publication tries to explain the eventful life of one of the four large Ephesian bath-gymnasiums.