The Cave of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus is one of the many episodes that link this ancient city to Christianity, given the importance of this port city in the early centuries of this religion. We have already discussed the House of the Virgin Mary in another post, and many other episodes can be mentioned, such as martyrdoms. On this occasion, we focus on this legend that was widely circulated during the Middle Ages and which is based on a non-biblical passage that has been circulated since at least the 5th century.
A summary of the legend
According to popular belief and the few written accounts, in the time of Decius (mid-3rd century), seven men from Ephesus refused to worship that emperor and took refuge in this cave, becoming trapped after the exit was sealed from the outside. But far from dying, they fell into a deep sleep that lasted two centuries. In the time of Theodosius, when Christianity was already official in the Roman Empire, they were discovered by chance when the cave was opened.
When one of them went to Ephesus to buy food, there was widespread surprise when he tried to pay with a coin that was two centuries old, which made them understand the story of their long slumber. After assessing the situation, they decided to continue their seclusion in the cave forever and devote themselves to God in that way.
The names of the seven youths differ depending on the accounts, but it is believed that a Christian wrote them on the door after their first seclusion, which made it possible to identify them upon waking. The Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, by the way, are recognised as saints of the Church, by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians, commemorating their day on July 27 and August 4, respectively.
Later archaeological work, in the 20th century, identified other Christian remains in the surroundings and above the cave, such as a Byzantine church. However, it is worth noting that this legend is also recorded in the Islamic tradition, which is why in other countries such as Jordan other supposed caves of the sleepers are venerated by both Christians and Muslims. It is believed that there are more than thirty places that dispute the honour of being the Cave of the Seven Sleepers.
Where exactly is the Cave of the Seven Sleepers?
The Cave of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus is one of the many archaeological sites that dot the area of ancient Ephesus and its surroundings, where Selçuk (with its famous Temple of Artemis) and the House of the Virgin Mary are also located. In fact, it is situated at an intermediate point between all these places of interest, and to get here it is advisable to take a taxi, with a journey of about 8 minutes from the centre of Selçuk (3.5 km).
The cave, which in Turkish is known as Yedi Uyuyanlar Cave, has not been turned into a museum and there are only a few signs providing information about some areas of the cave. For example, the main chamber, with niches like catacombs, where it is believed these seven legendary figures slept. However, this area is not accessible and can only be viewed from the other side of a fence. The period to which the construction of the aforementioned catacombs could date back would already be Byzantine, and there are a total of 10 niches or burial spaces.
In recent years, new work has been carried out, which could mean temporary closures of the site. Therefore, we recommend checking in advance whether it is actually open to visitors—information that our guide on site will provide.
