Want to know the real reason why Temple of Artemis is widely considered as one of the seven wonders of the ancient worlds? Let us explore the charming beauty of Artemis and what it gives to the residents and visitors.
Other than Great Pyramid of Giza, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Colossus at Rhodes and Pharos of Alexandria, the Temple of Artemis has also made a historical and extraordinary contribution to many people during ancient times. Since then and until now, this place is one of the favorites that visitors want to take a glimpse. We all know how memorable and significant it embodies in the lives of ancient people. Now, let this section give you more hints about this wonder of ancient worlds.
Let me start with the amazing works of architecture and art of Artemis. Their works serve as a testimony to the imagination, ingenuity as well as pure hard work of which people are capable. However, they are also reminders of human ability for destruction, disagreement and perhaps, embellishment. Over the years, the Temple of Artemis continues to inspire and become celebrated as one of the notable products of the skill and creativity of early civilizations of the earth.
Also recognized as the Artemesium or Artemision, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was built in the middle of sixth century BC. It was situated in Ephesus or the modern Turkey. The Artemis was constructed to honor Greek goddess Artemis as well as the goddess of the hunt and the moon by King Croesus of Lydia. Cherisiphron, a Crete architect, together with his son, Metagenes, built and designed the classic ionic temple. Its location in Asia Minor was at a commercial crossway, and thus attracted a wide variety of visitors with variable religious beliefs.
As they say, the temple was a highly ancient preserve for a mother goddess protecting pregnant women. As stated by Pliny the Elder, it was constructed in a marshy space in order to protect it against earthquakes. Lydian kings such as Croesus contributed a lot to build this temple. Later, Persians supported the cult. Megabyzus is the name used for high priests, meaning “the one set free for the cult of the divinity”. The sanctuary destroyed during the summer of 356 BCE. This is an event being remembered as it happened together with Alexander the Great’s birth.
The temple’s design was not of the common rectangle portico, but a combination of Near-Eastern design and Classic Greek and execution. Artemis was decorated with one hundred twenty-seven ionic columns, standing sixty feet high. The temple was a huge marble building and features column drums using high relief sculptural scenes. Also, there are many paintings that adorn the walls. These paintings may not big as the statue of Zeus at Olympia, but somewhat more life-sized and raised on a marble pedestal.
Below are other interesting facts about the Temple of Artemis.
- The Temple of Artemis is also recognized as the Temple of Diana.
- Artemis was the daughter of Leto and Zeus, and an Olympian God. She was considered as the goddess of the hunt and goddess of the moon. Also she is Apollo’s twin sister.
- The built second temple was around four times bigger in range than the prior one.
- The temple was on identical site every time it was rebuilt.
- The Antipater of Sidon, who initially created the list of Seven Wonders of the World, defined Artemis as being more awe-inspiring than other six wonders.
- So far, the Temple of Artemis may have ever been the first one that is built of marble. In addition, it can also be the first building history ever constructed made of marble.
- At different times, the temple was utilized as a marketplace and as a worship house.
According to the experts and other people, the marble constructed in the temple made it very special and unique among other temples around the world. The prehistoric wonder has several works of art by most talented artists, which includes bronze statues of the Amazons.
There are no other temples that can make a historic and notable works of architecture and arts like the Temple of Artemis done and exhibited. It is such a great place to visit with your family or friends. It can be your adventurous travel while on vacation and your money and time is worth the cost.
There are only very little Artemesium remains. Its location was determined way back in 1869. Since then, the excavations began. Many artifacts were hollow out and are housed these days at the British Museum in London. As for the place of Ephesus, only a lonely rebuilt columns stands at the moment and a touching reminder of the gleaming and grandiose temple whose architectural and religious impact made it as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
