Interior of First Church

A view looking east at the interior of the first church. It was constructed in the late fourth century A.D. after Theodosius I ordered the closing of pagan temples—including the nearby Artemis Temple. It was a rectangular structure built out of bricks and plaster. It was about 20 feet long. At the east end of the church was a semi-circular apse.

Because of its small size, it was evidently a chapel used by families living in the area.

At a later date, an apse was added to the original building.