Essay On Ephesus

The Temple of Artemis

“Ephesus was unlike any other place I’ve visited.” [1] This spectacular ancient city, with only ruins left to remind those of its magnificence, still remains highly remarked today. Although I have not yet been able to visit the land mark, I am fascinated with its intricate detail and beautiful essence. Located in the western part of Turkey, the ruins reveal an ancient story to those who wonder it. The story behind the settlement of Ephesus dates back to the year 10 B.C. The tale behind the Ephesus tells of the son of Athens-Kodros, Androclos, who was predicated by an oracle to kill a boar, which he would come across after the fish he was preparing fell upon the floor. As the fish fell on the floor, it frightened a boar that was hiding in the bushes nearby. While Androclos was trying to capture and kill the boar, he came across the land he later established as Ephesus. As the first king of Ephesus, Androclos was honored, after dying in the war of Carinas, with a mausoleum. The mausoleum is predicted to be around the area of Ephesus known toad as, “The Gate of Magnesia." The city of Ephesus is located between two valleys, and its location aided the city in protection and beauty. The city is well known as once being a place where thousands of people would gather. It serve as a marketplace, a place for entertainment, and a place for studies. [3]

Location of Ephesus, Turkey

Ephesus is a place of great importance due to the numerous amounts of influential structures. One of those influential structures within the ruins of Ephesus is the Temple of Artemis. Not only did it serve as a place to worship the Goddess Artemis, it also served as a marketplace. The final temple was built around the year 323 BC, and it is mu...

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...much other destruction, the Temple of Artemis is still a wondrous site.

Remains of the Temple of Artemis

Throughout the centuries, Ephesus has been ruled by some of the most prominent empires such as, the Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Through war, destruction, and multiple changes in ownership, the city has always been one the most lively metropolises of its time. Because of the seaport located in Ephesus, the city strived in trade and production. The Temple of Artemis is, to me, the most important and significant building in the city because it served as a religious symbol, and tremendously influenced the people of that time. Because of that, many people who opposed the buildings significance helped in its downfall. Although little remains from the building, it is still a piece of history and art that can never be lost.

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