Temple of Artemis, Selçuk

The Temple of Artemis, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is a remarkable historical site located in the city of Selçuk, Turkey. This ancient Greek temple, dedicated to the goddess Artemis, was renowned for its grandeur and architectural beauty, although today only the foundations and a single column remain to mark its location.

Constructed in the 6th century BCE, the temple was an extraordinary feat of engineering and artistry, measuring approximately 137 meters in length and 69 meters in width, with over 100 marble columns standing 18 meters high. The temple was not only a religious center but also a marketplace and a cultural hub, symbolizing the wealth and power of the city of Ephesus.

Despite its magnificence, the Temple of Artemis faced many challenges throughout history, including being destroyed and rebuilt several times due to events such as arson by Herostratus and a Gothic invasion. The final destruction came at the hands of a Christian mob led by St. John Chrysostom in the 5th century AD.

Today, the site of the Temple of Artemis offers a glimpse into its past glory. Visitors can explore the ruins and imagine the once-imposing structure that stood there. The single reconstructed column, made of fragments found on the site, serves as a poignant reminder of the temple's former splendor.