Remains of the Temple of Artemis

Description

The single column remnant remaining from the temple dedicated to the great goddess Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Story

The Temple of Artemis (Artemision), located within the borders of Selçuk district of İzmir, near the ancient city of Ephesus, is renowned as one of the **Seven Wonders** of the Ancient World. The temple was dedicated to Ephesian Artemis, worshipped for thousands of years in the Aegean geography as the goddess of fertility and nature. The first version of the temple was built in the 6th century BC, but it was destroyed several times by fire and attacks. Its most magnificent version, recognized as a 'Wonder', was rebuilt during the Hellenistic period. The size of the temple and the quality of the marble used made it one of the most splendid religious structures of its time. The temple was surrounded by 127 colossal Ionic columns. However, the temple lost its importance with the spread of Christianity in the region and was destroyed by the Goths in 401 AD. After its destruction, the temple materials (marble and columns) were used in the construction of other surrounding structures, including Hagia Sophia and other Byzantine buildings in Istanbul. Unfortunately, today only **a single repaired column** remains standing in a swampy area. This single column stands as a dramatic symbol, forcing one to imagine how large and majestic the temple once was. This single column, in fact, is more than just a ruin; it symbolizes the historical cycle of Ephesus and the entire İzmir geography, and how time conquers all. The temple shows how great Ephesus's status as a religious and cultural center was. Visitors standing before this single column try to imagine the legend of one of the seven wonders of the world and the power of ancient architecture. This area is a complementary and the most legendary stop among Selçuk's rich cultural heritage (Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary, St. John).

Visit Tips

• You can easily see the area where the single column remnant is located; it's on the road to Ephesus.
• Try to imagine the original dimensions of the temple by reading the information panels in front of the remnant.
• It is very close to Ephesus and St. John Basilica; combine these three into one route.
• The area is close to a swampy region; be aware of mosquitoes in summer.

Photos