Temple of Domitian, Ephesus
The Temple of Domitian in Ephesus, built in the 1st century AD, was one of the earliest temples in the city dedicated to a Roman emperor. Originally believed to honor Emperor Domitian鈥攚ho granted Ephesus the prestigious right to build such imperial temples鈥攔ecent scholarship suggests the temple may have actually been erected for his brother, Emperor Titus. Regardless of its true dedication, the construction of the temple was a significant privilege for Ephesus, marking its special status and strong ties to Rome. Throughout the Roman period, Ephesians commonly dedicated monumental structures to emperors to secure favor and political advantages.
The temple was located at the south end of Domitian Square and constructed on a high, vaulted foundation forming a terrace approximately 50 by 100 meters in size. The northern side of this terrace, which appears two stories high, could be accessed by a grand staircase still visible today. Designed in the pro-style architectural plan, the temple featured thirteen columns along its long sides, eight on the short sides, and four columns in front of the cella. Below the temple鈥檚 elevated terrace were functional spaces such as warehouses and shops. A large U-shaped altar, once placed at the northern side, has been preserved and is now on display at the Izmir Museum.
Domitian鈥檚 reign was marked by tyranny and persecution, particularly against early Christians, and he is historically associated with the exile of John the Apostle to Patmos. After his assassination by a servant, Domitian鈥檚 unpopularity led Ephesians to erase his name from inscriptions across the city in a public display of rejection. Yet, mindful of their privileged status with Rome, the citizens quickly re-dedicated the temple to Vespasian, Domitian鈥檚 father, thus preserving their honor as a neocoros鈥攁n official center of the imperial cult.
The temple was located at the south end of Domitian Square and constructed on a high, vaulted foundation forming a terrace approximately 50 by 100 meters in size. The northern side of this terrace, which appears two stories high, could be accessed by a grand staircase still visible today. Designed in the pro-style architectural plan, the temple featured thirteen columns along its long sides, eight on the short sides, and four columns in front of the cella. Below the temple鈥檚 elevated terrace were functional spaces such as warehouses and shops. A large U-shaped altar, once placed at the northern side, has been preserved and is now on display at the Izmir Museum.
Domitian鈥檚 reign was marked by tyranny and persecution, particularly against early Christians, and he is historically associated with the exile of John the Apostle to Patmos. After his assassination by a servant, Domitian鈥檚 unpopularity led Ephesians to erase his name from inscriptions across the city in a public display of rejection. Yet, mindful of their privileged status with Rome, the citizens quickly re-dedicated the temple to Vespasian, Domitian鈥檚 father, thus preserving their honor as a neocoros鈥攁n official center of the imperial cult.
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Temple of Domitian on Map
Sight Name: Temple of Domitian
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.
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
Ephesus Introduction Walking Tour
Ancient Greek poet Antipater of Sidon exclaimed that Babylon and the tomb of Mausolus paled in comparison with the Temple of Artemis. The temple is undoubtedly a highlight, as it is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. However, Ephesus has much more to offer. The city was one of the great urban centers of the ancient Mediterranean, with a history stretching back to the second millennium... 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