Dwelling Unit 7 of Terrace House 2 in Ephesos

Dwelling Unit 7 in Terrace House 2 was built as a large peristyle house on two floors in the early 1st century AD. From building period I to building period IV (ca. 220/230 n. Chr.) it was connected with Dwelling Unit 6 which is situated in the east; therefore it can be suggested that both houses were inhabited by one and the same homeowners. These residents are known by in situ-inscriptions in Dwelling Unit 6. It is the family of Gaius Flavius Furius Aptus, which held high municipal offices and functions in the scope of the Emperor Cult of the province. The publication of Dwelling Unit 7 comprises a detailled building description and reconstruction of the house in the different building periods until the destruction and abandonment in the 3rd quarter of the 3rd century AD, as well as the floor and wall decorations and all findings (ceramic and glass objects, coins, sculptures, small finds, marble inventory, archaeozoological and archaeobotanical remains), graffiti and stone inscriptions. Furthermore the results from the archaeological trenches were included as well; they give important insights concerning the development and use on this area in the later Hellenism; presumably a dwelling already existed in the Hellenistic period, which was destroyed like that on the area of Dwelling Unit 6 by the earthquake of 23 AD. Concerning the functions of the rooms of Dwelling Unit 7 one has to point out the adoration of Tiberius and Livia in this house, which is attested by archaeological record. This cult was very probably established already in the 1st century AD and lasted until the destruction and abandonment of the house in the later 3rd century AD. The veneration is obvious by the finds of life-size marble portraits of Tiberius and Livia which were connected with a marble altar and table used for offerings. Whereas the cult and the receiving of guests and clients took place on the ground floor of Dwelling Unit 7, the more private rooms as well as the kitchen and store rooms were situated on the first floor.