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01
Archaeology developed under different laws
Nineteenth- and early twentieth-century excavations operated within Ottoman regulations and international practices unlike today’s heritage framework. Permissions, division of finds and state agreements shaped where objects went.
02
London and Vienna tell different collection histories
British work at the Artemision and Austrian excavation at Ephesus created major overseas holdings. Museum records and excavation archives are essential for tracing individual objects rather than assuming one simple route.
03
Why Selçuk remains central
The Ephesus Museum preserves objects within their regional context and near the places of discovery. Comparing local and international collections reveals both knowledge gained and questions about historical collecting.
Sources and further reading
We prioritize official site authorities, excavation teams, universities, peer-reviewed research and established museum collections.
- Republic of Türkiye Museums — Ephesus Museum
- Republic of Türkiye Culture Portal — Ephesus Museum
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Ephesus
- Republic of Türkiye Museums — Ephesus Archaeological Site
- Austrian Archaeological Institute — Ephesos research
- British Museum — Ephesus collection
- Austrian Academy of Sciences — Ephesos research
Continue planning
Ephesus collections and excavation-history tour
How this story connects to your day
Related destination: Ephesus Museum. Choose only the places that matter to you, or ask our Kuşadası team whether this story works best on the same day or a second day.
Frequently asked questions
Were all objects illegally removed?
No. Histories differ and must be assessed through permits, laws and records applicable at the time.
Can visitors still see major originals in Selçuk?
Yes. The Ephesus Museum holds the signature Artemis statues and many important site finds.