The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. To those who saw it and wrote about it, it was the most beautiful structure on Earth.  It was built in the sixth century B.C. It was sponsored by Croesus, the Lydian king. The bronze statues that dotted it were sculpted by the most skilled artists of their time. The temple itself was made of marble, with 127 60-foot-high columns. The temple was 425 feet high and 225 feet wide. (This was more than twice the size of the Parthenon in Athens.) The temple stood for many years, as both a house for worship of Artemis and as a marketplace. People came from all over the known world to deliver gifts at this temple and to behold its wonder. The temple was destroyed and rebuilt more than once. In 356 B.C., it was burned to the ground. It was also destroyed in A.D. 262 (by the Goths) and in 401 by Christians eager to make their followers abandon old religions. While it stood, though, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was wondrous. |
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Social Studies for Kids
copyright 2002–2024
David White
