# Temple of Artemis (DD-098)

> The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, near modern Selçuk in Turkey, was rebuilt several times. The great marble temple funded in part by Croesus of Lydia, begun around 550 BC, was burned by the arsonist Herostratus in 356 BC. A larger replacement followed, and that later temple is the one counted among the Seven Wonders. Pliny the Elder gave it 127 columns, each 60 feet high. It was plundered by the Goths in 262 AD and finally destroyed in 401 AD. One reconstructed column stands at the site today. The footage shows renderings of columns, statues and a fire. This is No. 4 in his Seven Wonders of the Ancient World series.

- Department: Locations (also History)
- First published: 2023-11-28
- Last updated: 2023-11-28
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/temple-of-artemis/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-098-F01**: Herostratus burned the temple in 356 BC. _(Write-up · Exhibit C (Herostratus))_
- **DD-098-F02**: The rebuilt temple lasted until 401 AD. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Rebuilt several times))_

## Write-up

A man burned an ancient wonder to make himself famous. Herostratus set fire to the temple at Ephesus in 356 BC.

1. **Rebuilt several times**: The temple at Ephesus was rebuilt several times.
2. **Croesus temple**: The marble temple begun around 550 BC was funded partly by Croesus.
3. **Herostratus**: Herostratus burned it in 356 BC.
4. **127 columns**: Pliny gave the rebuilt temple 127 columns, each 60 feet high.
5. **Final end**: The Goths plundered it in 262 AD; it was destroyed in 401 AD.

## Related case files

- [The White Temple (DD-042)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-white-temple/): I paired it with another striking temple

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: 'The final version, completed around 550 BC... destroyed by arson in 356 BC': the temple burned in 356 BC was the Croesus-era one begun around 550 BC. It was then rebuilt, and that last temple stood until it was destroyed in 401 AD.
- **Note**: 'Statues by Phidias': ancient accounts tie Phidias to an Amazon statue at the temple. I kept it attributed.
- **Note**: 'No. 4' is the order of his own series, not an official ranking.

## Video: Temple of Artemis: A Man Burned an Ancient Wonder to Make Himself Famous

- Duration: 43.7 s · Published: 2023-11-28
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C0NgXw8tP50.mp4

### Transcript

The 7 Wonders of the Ancient World No. 4 The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus DID YOU KNOW? This temple was dedicated to the goddess Artemis the Greek goddess of hunting, wilderness, and wild animals. What makes this temple fascinating is its sheer size and the extravagant decorations. The temple was one of the largest in the ancient world with 127 columns each standing about 60 feet or 18 meters high. What's intriguing is that the temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout its history. The final version completed around 550 BC was more ornate than ever adorned with sculptures and artworks including statues crafted by renowned sculptors such as Phidias. Unfortunately, like many ancient wonders the Temple of Artemis was eventually destroyed by arson in 356 BC. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Was the temple rebuilt?**  
A: At least three phases. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Rebuilt several times) · Wikipedia: Temple of Artemis)_

**Q: Which king helped fund the temple begun around 550 BC?**  
A: King of Lydia. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Croesus temple) · Wikipedia: Temple of Artemis)_

**Q: Who burned it in 356 BC?**  
A: He wanted fame. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Herostratus) · Wikipedia: Temple of Artemis)_

**Q: How many columns did Pliny give the temple?**  
A: Each 60 feet high. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (127 columns) · Wikipedia: Temple of Artemis)_

**Q: When was the temple finally destroyed?**  
A: After the Goths plundered it in 262. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Final end) · Wikipedia: Temple of Artemis)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Temple of Artemis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Artemis)
- [Wikipedia: Seven Wonders of the Ancient World](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Wonders_of_the_Ancient_World)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Temple of Artemis." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-098, last updated Nov 28, 2023. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/temple-of-artemis/