Seeing the remains of the Temple of Artemis in Turkiye (Turkey) offers a glimpse into the grandeur of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
One of the Seven Wonders of the World once stood at Ephesus—the Great Temple of Artemis, a massive marble structure four times larger than the Parthenon. Artemis was the Greek goddess of hunting, but in Asia Minor she became blended with Cybele, an Anatolian Mother Goddess of enormous power and influence.
Her statue stood in the center of the temple. We can all agree, can’t we, that this is one impressively strange statue?
The rounded lumps may represent breasts, though some scholars speculate they are eggs, or perhaps the testicles of sacrificed bulls. By tradition this sacred site was linked to the Amazons, the race of warrior women, and you can see that this magnificent creature was a kindred spirit to them.
Thanks to the Temple of Artemis and the bustling port, the city of Ephesus grew large and wealthy. Beautiful stone buildings lined its streets, and a huge amphitheater and a stadium for gladiatorial games kept the populace entertained. At its height some 250,000 people lived at Ephesus, making this one of the largest cities of the ancient world.
The original statue of Artemis has not survived, but fragments and artifacts believed to be connected to it, as well as later representations, are housed in the Ephesus Archaeological Museum in nearby Selçuk. These include reconstructed pieces of statues and smaller figurines that reflect the design and symbolism of the goddess as worshiped in Ephesus.
The museum also has pieces from the Temple of Artemis and a collection of Roman statues, decorative objects, coins, jewelry, and tools. Its exhibits explore the historical, religious, and artistic significance of the ancient city connected to the temple.
After visiting the museum, tour the remains of the Temple of Artemis at its original site near Selçuk. While just a few stones and a reconstructed column remain, this tranquil spot is a good place to imagine the grandeur of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Lori Erickson is one of America’s top travel writers specializing in spiritual journeys. She’s the author of books that include Holy Rover, Near the Exit, The Soul of the Family Tree, and Every Step Is Home. Her website Spiritual Travels features holy sites around the world.
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