In mythology the curates were
demi-gods, a name which was used for
a priestly class in
Ephesus. They
formed the largest cultic union in
the city. The street that took its
name from the curates leads down to
the Celsus Library. Because it is
the central street in the city there
are many monumental edifices that
face onto the street. There were
mosaics and galleries of columns on
either side of the street. These
galleries led into shops and homes.
Some of the column pedestals bore
inscriptions reminding citizens of
those who had helped the city. For
example there was a statue next to
the Gate of Heracles to the doctor
Alexandros. The statue of Consul
Stephanos on display in the
Ephesus
Museum was found on this street. The
street was paved with marble and had
a well-developed sewer system
underneath.
