 Gate of Hercules (Herakles) in Ephesus, Turkey
The Gate symbolized the separation of Public Buildings in the lower sections of the city from the Administrative and religious buildings located on the city's higher ground.
Today only the pillars from the Side walls of the gate remain. On both pillars you can see depictions of Heracles, or Hercules as he is called in Roman mythology wearing a lion's hide.This ornamental gate was the entrance to the Curetes Path via the Domitianus Square.
 The Gate of Hercules was two storey structure
Driven mad by Hera, the wife of Zeus, Heracles slew his own children and was ordered to complete 12 Tasks to attorn for his sins.
Upon successful completion of the tasks Heracles attained immortality.  Gate separates the 2 sections of the City
When you see this amazing gate, you can understand that you are almost made it to the half of your walking tour of ephesus ancient city.
This lead to the Path eventually being closed to chariots in the 5th Century and becoming a pedestrian walk way.  Hercules Gate at Ephesus Turkey
One of the tasks assigned him was to slaying of the terrifying Nemean Lion.
Because of the impenetrability of the Lion's fur, Heracles had no choice but to enter it's den and strangle it to death with his bare hands. After which he skinned the lion and donned it's hide. The Slaying of the Nemean Lion is one of the most popular and significant of the 12 Tasks incapsulating as it does the awesome strenght of Heracles. |
