The underground Yerebatan Cistern was built during the Byzantine era under the reign of Justinian in the 6th century AD to ensure an adequate water supply for the city.

The columns are varied and many were taken from cities around Asia Minor and recycled here. The water level was much higher when it was in regular use.
The city of Ephesus was a treasure trove of columns after the port silted up, the marshy land tht resulted brought mosquitoes and malaria and the city was largely abandoned.