The Memmius Monument in the Ancient City of Ephesus is located to the northwest of Domitian Square and looks like a four-sided victory arch. This memorial was built in the 1st century A.D. It was dedicated to Memmius, the grandson of the Roman general and later dictator Sulla.
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Why was the Memmius Monument Built?
Memmius played a significant role in saving Ephesus from the forces of King Mithridates VI of Pontus in the Mithridatic Wars (88–63 BCE). However, as a result of Ephesians aligning with Mithridates against Rome, the city was subjected to a substantial tribute imposed by Sulla as a punishment for its defiance.
The Architectural Features
The pedestal is made of domestic round stones, and the top is made of marble. The monument is on a three-staired krepis, which comes after the pedestal. There are, semi-circular pedestals on each side tied together with belts; above the niches, there are figured blocks. Most of these blocks are lost.
Inscriptions and Figures on the Monument
Memmius, his father Caius, and his grandfather, dictator Sulla, are the soldier figures seen. The Latin inscription on the east side of the building reads:
“Caius Memmius, the son of Caius, the grandson of Cornelius Sulla, the Savior.”
