Temple of Artemis, Ephesus
The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Artemision, was one of the most extraordinary architectural achievements of the ancient world and counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. This monumental temple was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, revered as the protector of Ephesus. The original structure was commissioned around 550 BCE by Croesus, the wealthy king of Lydia, and was celebrated not only for its grand scale鈥攎easuring roughly 110 by 55 meters鈥攂ut also for the exquisite artwork and sculptures that adorned it.
Tragically, the temple faced numerous destructive episodes throughout its history. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 356 BCE, when a man named Herostratus set fire to the structure in an infamous act of arson, seeking fame through its destruction. The temple was later rebuilt by the people of Ephesus, this time with even more grandeur, including approximately 127 Ionic columns, each standing around 60 feet tall. However, the temple met its final demise in 262 CE during a Gothic invasion and was never reconstructed again.
Excavations at the site have uncovered the foundations of both Croesus鈥檚 original temple and its 4th-century reconstruction, along with remains of three smaller, earlier temples. Many fragments鈥攅specially sculpted column pieces鈥攁re now housed in the British Museum. Visitors to the site today can view the ruins and imagine the scale and beauty of this once-majestic sanctuary, which served as both a religious and cultural center in ancient Ephesus.
One of the most iconic elements associated with the Temple of Artemis is the statue of the goddess herself, a unique, un-Greek depiction of a mummylike figure adorned with symbolic details. The original statue, crafted from gold, ebony, silver, and black stone, depicted Artemis standing stiffly with her arms extended, wearing a headdress and a garment adorned with animals, bees, and rows of breasts鈥攕ymbols of fertility. Though the original has been lost, copies of the statue survive, offering insight into the deep spiritual and cultural significance the temple once held.
Tragically, the temple faced numerous destructive episodes throughout its history. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 356 BCE, when a man named Herostratus set fire to the structure in an infamous act of arson, seeking fame through its destruction. The temple was later rebuilt by the people of Ephesus, this time with even more grandeur, including approximately 127 Ionic columns, each standing around 60 feet tall. However, the temple met its final demise in 262 CE during a Gothic invasion and was never reconstructed again.
Excavations at the site have uncovered the foundations of both Croesus鈥檚 original temple and its 4th-century reconstruction, along with remains of three smaller, earlier temples. Many fragments鈥攅specially sculpted column pieces鈥攁re now housed in the British Museum. Visitors to the site today can view the ruins and imagine the scale and beauty of this once-majestic sanctuary, which served as both a religious and cultural center in ancient Ephesus.
One of the most iconic elements associated with the Temple of Artemis is the statue of the goddess herself, a unique, un-Greek depiction of a mummylike figure adorned with symbolic details. The original statue, crafted from gold, ebony, silver, and black stone, depicted Artemis standing stiffly with her arms extended, wearing a headdress and a garment adorned with animals, bees, and rows of breasts鈥攕ymbols of fertility. Though the original has been lost, copies of the statue survive, offering insight into the deep spiritual and cultural significance the temple once held.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ephesus. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Temple of Artemis on Map
Sight Name: Temple of Artemis
Sight Location: Ephesus, Turkey (See walking tours in Ephesus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ephesus, Turkey (See walking tours in Ephesus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ephesus, Turkey
Create Your Own Walk in Ephesus
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ephesus is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ephesus Introduction Walking Tour
Ephesus, the most important Greek city in Ionian Asia Minor, the ruins of which lie near the modern village of Sel茍uk in western Turkey. Ephesus is one of the largest and most impressive ancient cities in the world and is one of T眉rkiye鈥檚 most significant ancient cities. Its cultural and historical significance was highlighted in its addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2015. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Selcuk Introduction Walking Tour
Sel莽uk is a town near Izmir, in western Turkey. It鈥檚 the gateway to Ephesus, a vast, ancient city with the remains of a large theater and the Library of Celsus. South is the House of Virgin Mary, a domed chapel and religious shrine. Near Sel莽uk, a marble column is one of a few remains of the Temple of Artemis. The Ephesus Museum has more items from the temple, plus other artifacts excavated... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles