The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus: History of an Ancient Wonder

The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was constructed in three major phases on a sacred site in Asia Minor. The first temple, built in the 8th century BCE, was destroyed by flood. A second, larger temple sponsored by King Croesus of Lydia in the 6th century BCE was destroyed by arson in 356 BCE. The final and most grandiose temple, built starting in 323 BCE, was the structure celebrated by ancient authors like Antipater of Sidon. The temple's significance stemmed from Ephesus's wealth and political importance, its location on an ancient devotional site possibly linked to the Amazons, and the blending of Greek and Eastern cultural influences in the worship of Artemis. It was damaged by Gothic raids in the 3rd century CE and ultimately abandoned after pagan sacrifices were banned in 391 CE. Its remains were rediscovered by a British expedition in the 19th century.