The temple of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesus.



Greek colonists at Ephesus, in Asia Minor, built the famous temple of Artemis. The early settlers found the Asian inhabitants worshiping a many-breasted nature goddess whom they identified with their Artemis (called Diana by the Romans). They raised a shrine to her, which was rebuilt and enlarged from time to time. The fourth temple was the one regarded as the wonder of the world. Dedicated about 430 BC, it is said to have been built by contributions from all the great cities of Asia and to have taken 120 years to complete. This great temple was set on fire in 356 BC on the night Alexander the Great was born, according to tradition. The crime was committed by one Herostratus merely that his name might be remembered in after ages.


Notes On Artemis: Ephesus, ancient Greek city, greatest of 12 on the coast of Asia Minor; famous for Temple of Artemis (Diana); also seat of two notable church councils in 5th century; St. Paul labored there three years (Bible, Epistle to the Ephesians). Artemis, in Greek mythology, daughter of Zeus and Leto, twin sister of Apollo; virgin huntress and moon goddess; Roman counterpart Diana. Herostratus (4th century BC), Ephesian who set fire to temple of Artemis.