Quick Links
The Temple of Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and one of the few that can still be sort of seen today (only the Great Pyramid of Giza is still standing today). The Temple of Artemis is located on the Aegean coast of western Turkey in a region that was Ionian Greek in ancient times. It is located by the incredible Ephesus archeological site home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins.
The Temple of Artemis was once one of the greatest temples of the ancient world and would have been awe-inspiring if a traveler could have seen it in its age of glory. The Temple of Artemis (also called the Temple of Diana), was dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis (identified with the Roman goddess Diana).
The Temple Of Artemis: One Of The Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World
Ephesus was a Greek city in Asia Minor dating from the 8th century BC, and it was one of the most important cities of Ancient Greece. The Temple of Artemis (and its processors) stood for over a thousand years before being destroyed by 401 AD. The first version of the Temple of Artemis was built in the 6th century BC. It took around 120 years to complete (Rome wasn't built in a day!).
- First Built: 6th Century
- Destroyed: 401 AD
Finally, the Temple of Artemis succumbed to Christianity. As Christianity swept through and took over the Roman Empire, many temples and statues were destroyed or defaced (a few, like the Pantheon of Rome, survived by being converted into a Christian Church). In 401 AD, a Christian mob tore down the ancient magnificent temple.
It was double the dimensions of other Ancient Greek temples, like the famous Parthenon in the Athenian Acropolis. It was destroyed by a deliberate fire in the 4th century BC but was soon rebuilt.
The mighty Temple of Artemis was the first marble temple of the ancient world, and it had some 127 marble columns - each of which was 60 feet high. It was described by Pliny, the Elder, as being 377 feet long and 180 feet wide. It was constructed almost entirely out of marble.
What Is Left Of The Temple Of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis belongs to the list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today only the foundations and some fragments of the old temple remain. Some of the massive stones of the temple column have been re-stacked, but it is not enough to have reached the original height of a column of the temple.
Still, these means make it one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still visible today (the others are the Great Pyramid of Giza, the remains of the Lighthouse of Alexander, and the remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus).
Artemis: The Favored Greek Goddess Of Ancient Ephesus
Artemis was the daughter of the Greek god Zeus and the goddess Leto (who was the twin sister of Apollo). The Greeks believed that Artemis was born in Ephesus. Statues of her today found in the museums depict her with many breasts (which may actually be the bull's testicles) and speak to her fertility role.
To the Ephesians, Artemis (aka Diana) was particularly important. Artemis was the goddess of hunting, childbirth, fertility, forests, wild animals, and chastity. She was thought to often roam the forests of Greece while being attended by her large entourage of nymphs, hunters, and mortals.
It is fascinating to learn about the Ancient Greek pantheon and learn what their ancient religion was like.
What To Know About Visiting The Temple Of Artemis
Anyone can visit the Temple of Artemis when visiting the Ephesus Archeological Site. There is no protection around the site of the Temple of Artemis, and it is just outside the Ephesus Archeological Site (within walking distance). It is free to visit. While massive crowds of people throng the ancient streets of Ephesus, few bother to take the 20 minutes on a side trip to visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis.
If planning a guided tour of Ephesus, make sure the tour also includes a detour to see the ruins of the Temple of Artemis.
- Admission: Free
- Opening Hours: 24/7
- Location: 1 Kilometer from Selcuk (Modern Town) Just Outside Of Ephesus Archeological Site
The setting is tranquil, and it is a wonderful experience to sit on the sole lonesome column of the Temple of Artemis and ponder what it would have been like.
After visiting the Temple of Artemis, take the time to visit the archeological museum in the modern town of Selcuk and see a model of the ancient temple and statues of the goddess Artemis.