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

Introduction

Just a short walk from the center of Selçuk lies the Temple of Artemis, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few columns remain standing today, the site’s historical and cultural significance continues to captivate visitors from around the globe.

Historical Background

Dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and fertility (known as Diana in Roman mythology), the temple was originally built in the 6th century BC by the Lydians and later rebuilt after being destroyed in 356 BC—on the very night Alexander the Great was born.

The final version, constructed mostly of marble, was said to be twice the size of the Parthenon in Athens. It stood approximately 115 meters long and 55 meters wide, supported by over 100 Ionic columns, each over 17 meters high.

Architectural and Religious Significance

• A fusion of Greek, Anatolian, and Eastern design elements.
• Served not only as a religious temple but also as a marketplace and cultural center.
• Worship of Artemis in Ephesus predates Greek influence, possibly linked to earlier mother goddess cults.

Destruction and Rediscovery

The temple suffered multiple destructions:

• Burned by Herostratus in 356 BC for notoriety.
• Damaged by floods and eventually destroyed during the Gothic invasion in 262 AD.
• Stones and columns were later reused in other structures, including Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and Selçuk’s Basilica of St. John.

Rediscovered in the 19th century by British archaeologist John Turtle Wood, only the foundation and a single reconstructed column stand today. Artifacts from the site are displayed in the British Museum.

Visitor Information

• Located in an open field with signage explaining its historical context.
• Free to visit and best explored early in the morning or around sunset for atmospheric light.
• Nearby: Ephesus Museum, Isa Bey Mosque, and Basilica of St. John.