The Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek temple devoted to an ancient, localized version of the goddess Artemis (identified with Diana, a Roman goddess). It was located in Ephesus (near the contemporary Turkish town of Selçuk). It had been wrecked or destroyed by 401 AD. At the site, just the foundations and remains of the final temple remain.
The earliest temple (a Bronze Age temenos) predated the Ionic migration by many years. Callimachus gave it to the Amazons in his Hymn to Artemis. A flood destroyed it in the 7th century BC. A flood destroyed it in the 7th century BC. Its grander renovation began approximately 550 BC, under the Cretan architect Chersiphron and his son Metagenes. Croesus of Lydia funded the project, which took ten years to complete. Herostratus burned down this variant of the temple in 356 BC in an arson attack.
According to Pliny, the temple measured 115 meters long and 55 meters wide. He claimed it was almost entirely constructed of marble. It was around three times the size of the Parthenon in terms of area. There are 127 Ionic-style columns in the Temple. Each is 17.5 meters tall. Many beautiful artworks might be found in the Temple of Artemis. The temple housed bronze statues by famed Greek sculptors Polyclitus, Pheidias, Cresilas, and Phradmon. It also contained paintings and gold and silver gilded columns. Sculptors frequently competed to create the best sculpture. Many of these sculptures were of Amazons, who are thought to have established Ephesus.
The Temple of Artemis was a prosperous region. It served as a religious institution. It drew merchants and travelers from all around Asia Minor. Many beliefs impacted the temple. Many diverse peoples regard it as a symbol of faith. Cybele was worshiped by the Ephesians. Many of their beliefs were incorporated into the cult of Artemis. Cybele of Artemis grew extremely different from Diana of Rome. The Artemis cult drew thousands of followers from far-flung nations. They all gathered at the location to worship her.
Location: near the ancient city of Ephesus, Turkey
Built: the 6th century BCE
