Temple of Artemis

Temple of Artemis – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Location: Ephesus, Turkey
Built: Around 550 BC
Architect: Chersiphron & Metagenes
Dedicated to: Artemis (Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness & fertility)
Destroyed: 268 AD (Gothic invasion)

The Grand History of the Temple of Artemis

First Construction (~550 BC):

• Funded by the wealthy King Croesus of Lydia.
• Designed by Greek architects Chersiphron & Metagenes.
• 127 marble columns, 18 meters (60 ft) high.

Rebuilt After Arson (~356 BC):

• A man named Herostratus burned it down to gain fame.
• Rebuilt to an even grander scale.
• Destroyed by the Goths in 268 AD and never fully rebuilt.

What to See Today at the Temple of Artemis?

• Only one reconstructed column remains at the site today.
• Foundation & ruins of the original temple.
• Artifacts & sculptures from the temple are in the British Museum (London).
• Nearby: A small Byzantine church & ancient altar.

How to Visit the Temple of Artemis?

By Car: 5 minutes from Ephesus, 10 km from Selcuk
By Foot: 20-minute walk from Selcuk town center
By Tour: Many guided tours include Ephesus, Artemis Temple & Virgin Mary’s House

Why Visit?

• See the remains of a Wonder of the Ancient World
• Learn about the fascinating history of Ephesus & Artemis
• Visit nearby historical sites like Ephesus & Isabey Mosque
• Experience a UNESCO World Heritage site

Even though little remains today, the site holds incredible historical significance!