The Sacred Temple of Artemis

When you look back in the great Greek mythology, you will see that Artemis was a powerful Greek Goddess who was the twin of Apollo. She was also the virginal huntress who eventually replaced Selene who was a Titan and took her place as the goddess of the moon.

Artemis was originally a Goddess from Ephesus who the Greeks venerated as an archaic icon.  The original icon was carved mainly out of wood. The statue had many breast like shapes which over emphasized the pure and fertile nature of this goddess. Also her body and legs are well enclosed in a robe that has been carved in from the pillar. When you look at the end of this, you will find here feet protruding.

The coins that have been minted at the original city of Ephesus have many- breasted Goddesses wearing a large crown right from the palace gates to the coins and other famous artifacts that were found here.  The statue of Artemis rents on a staff that is formed with serpents. There is also a large stack made of Orboroi which is the symbol of the eternal serpent with part of the serpent tails in its mouth.

Artemis was later even called Megabyzae by the many hierodules. And then she was called Korai by the maidens.

There is a strong inscription which dates back right from the third century. This basically has associated the Ephesians goddess with Crete. . Below her statues there is an engraving which reads, “To the healer of diseases, to Apollo, the giver of light to mortals, Euthyches has set up in votive offering a statue of the Cretan Lady of Ephesus, who is the Light bearer.”

The temple which was built in the year six hundred and fifty BC is dedicated to the temple of Artemis. It also has a large splendor that has attracted many pilgrims and worshippers who were preoccupied with the delivery of Alexander’s beautiful burning temple.

Herstratus, who was a famous arsonist, was highly motivated. The Ephesians who was enraged and then instructed that the battle never be recorded by Strabo. The Ephesians decided that it would not be right to build one temple for just one God.

After about twenty two years, it has been a huge sweep of what seems to be Asia Minor. Alexander also offered that the temple should be reconstructed.  But this had been later raised on a platform. The classical feature of this place has been adopted into the construction of the temples later on.

Check back here to find out more about what happens in this famous and sacred temple of Artemis.