Temple of Artemis at Ephesus Facts
Standing in a field near Selcuk Turkey is one lone column surrounded by scattered ancient remains of a once great ancient Greek structure. Here once stood the magnificent Temple of Artemis at Ephesus one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Before its final destruction this magnificent example of ancient Greek Architecture had columns towering over 60 feet high, was four times larger than the famous Parthenon, was filled with incredible sculptures and artwork, and attracted visitors from all around the ancient world. The temple of Artemis was built to honor the Greek goddess Artemis. Whether you are a kid working on a school project or an adult interested in information on ancient Greek architecture read on for a list of interesting facts about the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus.Interesting Facts about the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
- The goddess Artemis was one of the most revered deities of ancient Greece. The ancient Greek people built this temple to honor her. It was probably the main center of her worship except for the island of Delos which according to Greek mythology was her birthplace.
- The temple stood in the ancient city of Ephesus which was part of ancient Greece. This site is now within Turkey near modern day Selcuk.
- This building was destroyed three times due to various causes (explained below). The two times it was rebuilt, which was in the same location, it was made more beautiful than the time before.
- This temple also goes by the name the Temple of Diana. Diana is the Roman equivalent of the goddess Artemis.
- This temple was made of marble. It is believed to be the first temple ever built of marble and possibly may be the first building ever constructed of marble.
- Before its final destruction this amazing example of Greek Architecture had 121 columns each standing 60 feet high (18.3 meters). Sadly only one remains; the others were torn down centuries ago for use in other ancient construction projects. Several of the columns are believed to have been used in the construction of a former Greek Orthodox Church named Hagia Sophia in Istanbul Turkey built between 537 AD and 1453 AD.
- The ancient Greek poet the Antipater of Sidon, who is credited with listing the Seven Wonders of the World (in one of his poems), stated the Temple of Artemis was more marvelous than the other six wonders of the world.
Temple of Artemis Timeline (Phases)
- 800 BC - The first temple of Artemis built at Ephesus is erected around 800 BC.
- 700 BC - Sometime during the 7th century BC the temple is destroyed. Exactly when and how is unknown however most historians believe it was due to flooding where as some believe it was destroyed during a war.
- 550 BC to 540 BC - The temple is rebuilt, more magnificent that the original structure. It was approximately 377 feet (114.9 meters) long and 151 feet (46 meters) wide.
- 356 BC - The temple is destroyed in a fire set by a man named Herostratus. His act was motivated by the wish to be famous. In fact this is where the term "herostratic fame", which means fame acquired by a deliberate act of destruction, originates from. Herostratus was executed for this act. An interesting fact is that Herostratus set this fire on the same day that the famous Greek Alexander the Great was born.
- 323 BC - Construction begins to rebuild the temple. Upon its completion, several years later, it is larger than ever; 450 feet (137.2 meters) long and 225 feet (68.6 meters wide).
- 268 AD - The temple is once again destroyed, this time in a raid by an East Germanic tribe called the Goths. The temple was never rebuilt.
ANCIENT GREECE FACTS