Temple of Artemis: A Marvel Among the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World

TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS

Model of the Temple at Ephesus Museum in Selcuk

The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Artemision, was one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and the most significant sanctuary in Ephesus. Unlike other temples dedicated to Roman gods, the Temple of Artemis held unmatched importance for the Ephesians.

Temple of Artemis is an essential part of our Private Tours. You can explore our Ephesus Private Tours here.

Early Cult Practices at the Ancient Temple of Artemis

Cult practices dedicated to Artemis date back to the 10th century BC in Ephesus. The first temple, constructed in the 7th century BC, was a simple structure but is counted among the earliest Greek temples with surrounding colonnades.

temple of artemis at ephesus

The ruins of the Temple of Artemis


The First Massive Construction: A Monument of Marble

Around 570 BC, construction began on a more substantial temple:

  • Built entirely of marble and surrounded by double colonnades.
  • Measured approximately 60 meters wide and 100 meters long.
  • Featured 106 columns, funded by the Lydian King Croesus.

This Archaic Temple, a masterpiece of its time, was tragically destroyed by fire in 356 BC, set by Herostratus, a madman seeking infamy.


The Ruins of the Temple of Artemis

7 wonders of the ancient world temple of artemis

The statue of Artemis

The reconstruction of the temple began shortly after its destruction. The new structure included all the elements of its predecessor but was even more grandiose:

  • Expanded to 127 columns, each standing 18.40 meters tall.
  • Converted into a church during late antiquity.
  • Despite its significance, the Temple of Artemis was eventually abandoned and forgotten.
  • Rediscovery: In 1869, John Turtle Wood uncovered the ruins of the temple.
  • Exhibits: Today, parts of the temple are displayed at the British Museum in London.

Visitors to Ephesus will find only a single surviving column, a silent witness to the temple's former grandeur.


 

ancient temple of artemis

zodiac symbols

The Enduring Popularity of Artemis in Ephesus

Artemis, the ancient goddess of fertility and hunting, held a unique position in Ephesus and other parts of the Roman Empire.

Artemis and Her Influence on Commerce and Culture

  • The Temple of Artemis functioned as a bank, as it was considered sacrilegious to steal from a holy site.
  • Wealthy individuals deposited their riches in the sanctuary, which earned interest for safekeeping.

Festivals and Celebrations Dedicated to Artemis

Ephesus hosted numerous festivals honoring Artemis, including:

  • Spring and Birthday Celebrations: Held annually on May 6th, these festivals included:
    • Massive processions along the Sacred Way.
    • Dancing, singing, and cheering crowds carrying symbols of Artemis.
    • The statue of Artemis ceremoniously dipped into the harbor to symbolize the restoration of her virginity.

While these festivals brought joy to many, the pagan practices, including orgies and other excesses, posed challenges for the early Christian church.

Unique Features of the Statue of Artemis

Many well-preserved statues of Artemis reflect her significance:

  • Depicted in an archaic static pose.
  • Lower body adorned with a robe featuring animal reliefs, representing her title, Lady of the Animals.
  • The spherical objects on her chest symbolize fertility, interpreted as either female breasts or bull testicles.
  • Upper chest adorned with a zodiac symbol, first seen in Babylonia.
  • Variations include a mural crown or a high-pillared headdress, reflecting influences from Mesopotamian and Syrian motifs popular in the Hellenistic age.

The Legacy of Female Deity Worship in Asia Minor

The region's history reveals a continuous tradition of reverence for female deities:

  • From the goddess Kybele to Artemis and Diana, and later the Virgin Mary.

Today, this tradition survives symbolically through a stork nest perched atop the lone remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, serving as a reminder of its enduring legacy.

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