Beyond merely a form of entertainment, dance has long served as a powerful means of expression imbued with societal and religious significance in Ephesus. In Roman-era Ephesus, dance was often an integral aspect of religious and cultural festivals. For instance, during the annually celebrated Artemisia festival, priests and the public alike would participate in exuberant parades and ritualistic dances to honor the goddess Artemis. These performances, held in Ephesus' magnificent theater, showcased how deftly dance was woven into both sacred ceremonies and everyday life. This legacy of dance in ancient Ephesus stood as a symbol of cultural identity and social unity; it reinforced beliefs, transmitted stories across generations, and brought visitors of the city together in a shared rhythm.