Page "Seven Sleepers" Paragraph 9

As the earliest versions of the legend spread from Ephesus, an early Christian catacomb came to be associated with it, attracting scores of pilgrims.

On the slopes of Mount Pion ( Mount Coelian ) near Ephesus ( near modern Selçuk in Turkey ), the " grotto " of the Seven Sleepers with ruins of the church built over it was excavated in 1927 – 28.

The excavation brought to light several hundred graves which were dated to the 5th and 6th centuries.

Inscriptions dedicated to the Seven Sleepers were found on the walls of the church and in the graves.

This " grotto " is still shown to tourists.