WONDERS OF THE WORLD
THE TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS AT EPHESUS
Turkey
A Temple Fit for a Goddess
It's now just a solitary column in a swamp, but once, this greatest of temples attracted pilgrims from throughout the Mediterranean world, come to worship the cult statue of the virgin goddess of childbirth. I don't get it either.
Four times larger than the Parthenon, this temple was big business for Ephesus, as noted by Paul in his letter to the locals. That business, and its location, made Ephesus one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire, larger than Elizabethan London.
In this episode, we sail to Turkey and explore the myths of Artemis. We also discuss Herostratus, the poet who burned down the temple to secure his own fame. Though they rebuilt the temple better than ever, the story is still a good one. Since that rebuilt temple is now gone, thanks to barbarians and Christians, we tour the impressive ruined city and eat a seafood feast, featuring stuffed mussels, or midye dolma.
Sources:
The Lonely Planet Guide to Turkey
Richardson, Donald, Greek Mythology for Everyone: Legends of the Gods and Heroes
Reynolds et al, The Seventy Wonders of the Ancient World: the Great Monuments and How They Were Built
Romer, John and Elizabeth, The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: a History of the Modern Imagination
Vernant, Jean-Pierre, The Universe, the Gods, and Men: Ancient Greek Myths
Engraving by J.T. Wood