Ephesus and Temple of Artemis
Artemision of Ephesus · Efes · Temple of Diana
Archaeic Greek to Roman Imperial 10th c. BCE–3rd c. CE, Artemision 550 BCE·Greek Ionian then Roman·🇹🇷 Aegean (Izmir), Turkey
About
About Ephesus and Temple of Artemis
Capital of Roman Asia (250k pop) with Ionian Artemis sanctuary – one of Seven Wonders (temple 115x55 m, 127 columns 18 m each). Adjacent city has 24k-seat theater, Library of Celsus façade (135 CE), Hadrian Temple, Curetes Street, and Terrace Houses. Artemision was marsh-pile founded by Croesus 550 BCE, burned by Herostratus 356 BCE (Alexander's birth night).
Why it mattersBest preserved Ionian wonder site plus quintessential Roman Asian metropolis urbanism
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Artemis Ephesia vs Greek Artemis syncretism (many-breasted idol)
- 02Celsus Library vs actual scrolls 12k rot
Theories
- 01Roman urbanism as imperial display
- 02Christian reuse: House of Virgin Mary nearby
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Artemision 550 BCE Croesus, reconstruction 323 BCE; Library 135 CE
- Period
- Archaeic Greek to Roman Imperial 10th c. BCE–3rd c. CE, Artemision 550 BCE
- Culture
- Greek Ionian then Roman
- Purpose
- Great Artemis sanctuary and later Roman provincial capital with Neokoros prestige
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
550 BCE
Croesus builds Artemision wonder
356 BCE
Herostratus burns temple
129 CE
Hadrian visits; Hadrian Temple
135 CE
Library of Celsus completed
1869
Wood discovers Artemision
On the ground
Structures & features
37.9497° N · 27.3639° E · 12 m · 4 mapped features
Temple of Artemis (Artemision)
wonder templeSingle re-erected column and marsh foundations of wonder; 127-col site
37.9497° N · 27.3639° ELibrary of Celsus
libraryTwo-storey aedicular façade reconstructed 1970s, sarcophagus of Celsus below
37.9391° N · 27.3408° EGreat Theater
theater24,000-seat cavea where Acts of Apostles riot occurred
37.9410° N · 27.3419° ETerrace Houses (Hanghäuser)
domusElite insulae with mosaics and frescoes protected by roof
37.9398° N · 27.3420° E
Gallery