Ephesus was an important trading center, strategically located in Asia Minor on the western coast of the Roman Empire. The city’s port and road network facilitated trade across the Mediterranean and beyond, bringing in goods such as spices, textiles, and precious metals. Locally produced goods such as olive oil, wine, and grain were an important part of the trade. The quality of Ephesian wine was highly controversial among ancient writers, with some saying it was excellent, while others said it gave them a headache.