In the design of ancient Ephesus, cultural and religious symbols held significant importance. Symbols attributed to the city's protective goddess, Artemis, were frequently used: For instance, the symbol of Artemis, the bee, became a symbol of the city of Ephesus, even appearing on coins minted in the city as a symbol of democracy. Another motif commonly seen on the coins was the figure of the deer, the sacred animal of Artemis; this motif persisted on Ephesian coins from the Hellenistic period to the Roman era. The deer was sometimes depicted as carrying or standing alongside Artemis, representing the protection of the huntress goddess. The bee figure also held value in Ephesus as a motif symbolizing fertility and spirituality, having a special place even in the rituals of the Artemis cult. Additionally, images related to the Dionysian cult were found in home mosaics and other decorations. In the mosaics of the wealthy houses of Ephesus, lively motifs such as Eros’s chariot with a panther, rooster, peacock, vine leaf, grape clusters, and portraits of Dionysos and Ariadne were employed. These motifs, referencing mythological stories, not only added an artistic atmosphere to the home but also reflected the owner's beliefs and tastes. Furthermore, inscriptions and epitaphs were part of the design; writings on tombstones or votive stones were often embellished with relief ornaments and frame motifs, turning the writing itself into a decorative element. In summary, the design language in ancient Ephesus visually expressed the beliefs, status, and aesthetic understanding of the community through symbols and motifs.

In the design of ancient Ephesus, cultural and religious symbols held significant importance. Symbols attributed to the city's protective goddess, Artemis, were frequently used: For instance, the symbol of Artemis, the bee, became a symbol of the city of Ephesus, even appearing on coins minted in the city as a symbol of democracy. Another motif commonly seen on the coins was the figure of the deer, the sacred animal of Artemis; this motif persisted on Ephesian coins from the Hellenistic period to the Roman era. The deer was sometimes depicted as carrying or standing alongside Artemis, representing the protection of the huntress goddess. The bee figure also held value in Ephesus as a motif symbolizing fertility and spirituality, having a special place even in the rituals of the Artemis cult. Additionally, images related to the Dionysian cult were found in home mosaics and other decorations. In the mosaics of the wealthy houses of Ephesus, lively motifs such as Eros’s chariot with a panther, rooster, peacock, vine leaf, grape clusters, and portraits of Dionysos and Ariadne were employed. These motifs, referencing mythological stories, not only added an artistic atmosphere to the home but also reflected the owner's beliefs and tastes. Furthermore, inscriptions and epitaphs were part of the design; writings on tombstones or votive stones were often embellished with relief ornaments and frame motifs, turning the writing itself into a decorative element. In summary, the design language in ancient Ephesus visually expressed the beliefs, status, and aesthetic understanding of the community through symbols and motifs.