Ephesus | The Historic Legacy of the Home of the Temple of Artemis

Ephesus, located on the western coast of modern-day Turkey, is a magnificent testament to the splendor of the ancient Greek civilization, which had spread throughout the Mediterranean. For centuries, the once-thriving metropolis on Ionia’s coast served as an important center of commerce, culture, and religion. While it had been conquered numerous times, it had remained an important city for centuries. Ephesus remains a significant archaeological site, with well-preserved ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Ephesus Key Facts

Overview

Ephesus was a significant and well-known city in the Ancient Greek world. Situated in western modern-day Turkey, in the area of Selçuk, Izmir, it had always been a commercial and religious center. While most of the city’s history is unknown, it is famous for one thing: the temple of Artemis or Diana, as the Romans referred to the goddess of hunting, which was once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The archaeological site is still well-preserved today, making it an excellent destination for anyone planning a vacation in Greece or Turkey.

Practical travel tips 

Getting There

Ancient Ephesus (Selçuk) is accessible via the town of Izmir; if you are in Athens or Istanbul, you can fly from there. The drive from Izmir takes 45 minutes.

Accessibility

The archaeological site is mostly accessible, despite some uneven terrain.

Best Time to Visit

To enjoy mild weather, visit in the spring or early autumn.

Duration of Visit

You should budget 3-4 hours for main sites and a full day for in-depth exploration.

Budgeting

You should budget for a relatively expensive ticket for the entire city and museum of Ephesus, which is currently priced at 40 euros.

Local Amenities

The modern town of Selçuk offers anything you might need: accommodation, restaurants and bars, doctors and pharmacies.

Ephesus in Greek Mythology

Ephesus is a town that is not frequently mentioned in Greek mythology. However, because the city housed the magnificent Artemision – Artemis’ world-famous temple – there are a few stories associated with this significant city.

Ephesus and the Amazons

The Amazons were a group or tribe of highly skilled female hunters and warriors who were feared to be among antiquity’s most fierce warriors. As a closed-to-men society that only used men for reproduction, the Amazons were bound only by their oath to Artemis, the goddess of hunting.

The Amazons were believed to have lived in Anatolia and were known for their military expeditions and the founding of numerous ancient cities, including Ephesus. Queen Otrera of the Amazons is credited with founding the Temple of Artemis. Otrera was possibly the first Queen of the Amazons, the daughter of the nymph Harmonia and the god of war Ares (other accounts have her as Ares’ consort rather than his daughter). Otrera was the mother of Hippolyta and Penthesilea, the Amazon queens who succeeded her. 

Amazons and the Temple of Artemis

When the Amazons decided to build the Temple of Artemis, they placed an image of the goddess beneath an oak tree. Hippolyta, Otrera’s daughter, initiated a ritual for the Goddess. The Amazons then performed a war dance with their armor and spears. According to Callimachus, this dance occurred every year, and everyone had to participate or face punishment from Hippolyta. The temple of Ephesus was the most important sanctuary of the goddess, with Brauron coming second.

According to Pindar’s account, the Amazons founded the temple during their campaign against Theseus and Athens. The women of Thermodon would frequently make sacrifices in the sanctuary, such as when fleeing Dionysus.

Finally, the Temple of Hadrian in the Ancient City of Ephesus features beautiful reliefs depicting Amazons.

Ephesus and Dionysus

Dionysus was also a highly revered god in Ephesus. The Bacchus cult may not have been as well-known as the Artemis cult, but it was still extremely popular. The Ephesians celebrated Dionysus in bacchic orgies. The city’s art and architecture reflected the Dionysian cult. One of the most notable examples was the Great Theatre of Ephesus, which could accommodate up to 25,000 people and was dedicated to both Artemis and Dionysus.

Ephesus in Ancient Greek History

While Ephesus’ history is not as well documented as other ancient cities, there are still many useful insights and information available about this religious and commercial center of antiquity, which has been inhabited since the Neolithic age.

The city of Ephesus

Excavations show that the area surrounding Ephesus has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age, or around 6000 BC. Settlements from the early Bronze Age and Mycenean Age have also been discovered, indicating an expansion of the area around the 13th century BC.

Ephesus as we know it today was founded as a Greek colony in the 10th century BC. It quickly became a city dedicated to the “Lady of Ephesus,” who was identified as Artemis and/or the Anatolian goddess Cybele.

Ephesus, a historic city on modern-day Turkey’s western coast, rose to prominence in the mid-7th century BCE after surviving a Cimmerian attack. When King Croesus claimed control in the early sixth century, it came under Lydian influence, and he helped to rebuild the Temple of Artemis. Later, Ephesus came under Persian rule with Cyrus the Great, took part in the Ionian Revolt, and became an Athens tributary.

During the Second Peloponnesian War, Ephesus sided with Sparta, switching allegiances several times before falling under Alexander the Great. Under Macedonian ruler Lysimachus, it experienced a period of Hellenic prosperity. Following the defeat of Antiochus the Great, Rome took control of Ephesus, which rose to prominence in Asia Minor under Augustus. Strabo emphasized its commercial significance, which was demonstrated by extensive public works from the Roman period.

Early Christianity thrived here, and Ephesus is one of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. In 262 CE, the Goths ravaged the city, causing it to decline, though later emperors attempted to rebuild it. By the Middle Ages, Ephesus had declined in importance under Seljuq control in 1090, but its historical significance was rediscovered in the nineteenth century, when the Artemision site was discovered.

Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Temple of Diana, was a magnificent tribute to the goddess Artemis in Ephesus, near modern-day Selçuk, Turkey. The temple, which dates back to the Bronze Age, was originally established prior to the Ionic immigration. The site was associated with local legends attributed to both the Amazons and pre-Ionic inhabitants such as the Lydians. 

A flood destroyed the early temple in the seventh century BCE, prompting a larger reconstruction around 550 BCE, funded by Lydian King Croesus and designed by architect Chersiphron and his son Metagenes. This version was demolished in 356 BCE by Herostratus, an arsonist seeking fame. The Ephesians quickly rebuilt the temple, earning a spot on Antipater of Sidon’s list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World due to its massive size and architectural beauty.

Despite its grandeur, the temple eventually fell into disrepair after being burned down again, possibly due to mysterious circumstances related to its unstable foundation. In AD 401, it was finally demolished. By this time, the temple had become a cultural and religious beacon, attracting visitors from all over. Today, only remnants of its foundations remain, with some relics, including a column, housed in the British Museum.

Exploring the Location: Ephesus

Temple of Artemis (Artemiseum)

The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Artemiseum, was a grand structure dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Excavations have revealed three phases of construction, the most significant being the temple built during King Croesus’ reign in the sixth century BCE. This temple was known for its large size, intricately carved columns, and elaborate friezes. 

The temple was destroyed by fire in 356 BCE, allegedly set by an arsonist looking for fame. A subsequent temple was built in its image, but it, too, fell into disrepair. The temple’s foundations and fragments, which were sent to the British Museum, are all that remain today.

Theatre

The outdoor theatre in Ephesus can seat nearly 25,000 people, demonstrating its significance as a venue for public performances and gatherings. It was originally built during the Hellenistic period and was later redesigned by Emperor Trajan. The theatre is notable for its excellent acoustics and breathtaking views, and it stands as a prime example of ancient Greek architectural ingenuity. It has been well-preserved and is still a popular attraction, allowing visitors to experience the scale and grandeur of ancient theatrical performances.

Library of Celsus

The Library of Celsus is one of Ephesus’ most famous ruins. It is known for its stunning two-story façade that served as a monumental tomb for Celsus, a Roman proconsul. This library, which was originally built in the second century CE, served as a learning center, housing thousands of scrolls and attracting scholars and visitors from far and wide. Its façade is decorated with intricate carvings and statues that reflect classical Roman architecture. Restoration efforts have ensured the library’s structural integrity, making it a prominent feature of the site.

Agora

The agora, or marketplace, was a thriving center of commerce and social activity in ancient Ephesus. The agora, surrounded by stoas (covered walkways), was built during Emperor Severus’ reign and reflects the Hellenistic city’s rectangular street design. Ruins of surrounding structures can still be seen, demonstrating the importance of commerce in Ephesus.

Odeum

The odeum was a small, roofed theatre in Ephesus built for musical performances and public gatherings. It could hold approximately 1,400 people and is thought to have been a gift from Publius Vedius Antoninus. Despite its small size in comparison to the larger theatre, the odeum still serves as a reminder of the city’s rich artistic traditions.

Aqueduct of Gaius Sextilius Pollio

This impressive aqueduct transported water across Ephesus’ valleys, demonstrating the advanced engineering skills of its creators. The aqueduct, built during the reign of Gaius Sextilius Pollio, was critical for providing water to the city’s fountains, baths, and households. The aqueduct’s remnants highlight the importance of water management in ancient times. Also examplifying the infrastructure that supported daily life in Ephesus.

The Basilica of St. John

The Basilica of St. John the Theologian is located on Ayasoluk Hill. It is an important early Christian site built around the sixth century CE over a shrine believed to be St. John’s burial place. This large, partially restored structure is notable for its architectural beauty and religious significance. Serving as a pilgrimage site during medieval times.

Last Thoughts

Ephesus is a site that provides an unparalleled journey through time. Allowing visitors to trace the footsteps of ancient Greeks and Romans over centuries. Its well-preserved ruins and rich historical and religious significance make it a must-see destination. Of course, you can visit the nearby wonderful Turkish beaches or the stunning island of Samos.

FAQs about Ephesus

Featured Image Credit: Benh LIEU SONG, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons