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.