Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Temple of Diana, is a Greek temple dedicated to Artemis. Artemis was a Greek goddess and twin of Apollo.
Though the monument was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but now only the ruins of the temple remain. It was not the first temple on the site and it is thought that the site has been a sacred one since the Bronze Age. According to Strabo, the Temple of Artemis was destroyed at least seven times and rebuilt each time. The Temple of Artemis may have been the earliest Greek temple surrounded by colonnades anywhere.
This Hellenistic temple was built on a podium, with thirteen steps and a double colonnade encircled the peristyle. There are many of pottery finds believed to be made around the same time as when the clay-floored temple was constructed, in the second half of the eighth century. Recent archaeological excavations at the site revealed gifts from pilgrims including statuettes of Artemis made of gold and ivory, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and artifacts from as far as Persia and India.
Unlike other sanctuaries the building was made of marble, with a decorated facade overlooking a large courtyard. There were a total of 127 columns approximately 60ft high with Ionic capitals and carved circular sides. The temple was used as a marketplace and a place of religious worship. For years, merchants, tourists, artisans and royalty have visited the site.
