The Library of Celsus was discovered during excavations in 1905 – 1906 and the façade of the library was restored between 1970 and 1978 reusing original materials as far as possible. Celsus was the Governor of Asia minor who died in Rome at the age of 70 in 114 AD. Celsus bequeathed 25,000 dinars for the construction of the library and requested that new books be purchased every year with the interest on the remaining money. Originally there were 12,000 books – rolled scrolls, generally of papyrus – that were kept in niches on the two floors of the library.
As a result of an earthquake in 262 AD the reading room of the library caught fire and was destroyed and the main hall was not restored. The front of the library was completely destroyed by an earthquake in the Middle Ages.
The library was constructed by the son of Celsus and the Consul in 110 AD and the marble sarcophagus of Celsus was placed in a tomb by the entrance.
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