History of Herbs in historical Ephesus–History of Herbs
Herbs can be seen growing abundantly and flowering amongst fallen columns and between paving stones; there is even a small basil plant flourishing bravely in brown, hard, inhospitable ground. This landlocked city of white marble ruins, extensive and preserved enough to captivate the imagination forever, lies glittering in the sunlight as it has done for several thousand years. It was once a seaport where, legend says, Antony and Cleopatra disembarked from their vessel and walked along the lovely streets. Later St Paul visited Ephesus, and it is claimed that the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life nearby. She was taken there by St John after the Crucifixion for protection.
