The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Temple of Diana, was located in the ancient city of Ephesus, Turkey.

It was built to honor the Greek goddess, Artemis — the goddess of the hunt. Interestingly, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times in its original location. It is said that each time the temple was destroyed, it was rebuilt larger and more elaborate. The first temple was built circa 800 BC.

When the temple was first built, it was used as a place of worship and as a market place. The original structure was approximately 425 feet high and 225 feet wide, with marble columns. Many people of the time considered the temple to be exceptionally beautiful.

Take a look at the first image below. It shows an interpretation of what the temple may have looked like:

Although the temple no longer exists, there are still remnants of its existence. The next three images reveal the remaining columns of the temple. 

Watch Interesting Temple of Artemis at Ephesus Facts, from Health Apta, to learn more interesting facts about the Temple of Artemis. Then discuss the questions following the video:

Questions to consider:

• What do you think about the architectural design of the temple?
• Why do you think the temple's designers used so many columns in its design?
• Why do you think remnants of the temple's columns remain today?
• Why do you think the ancient Greeks felt it necessary to build a temple to the goddess of the hunt?

After discussing the questions, move on to the Got It? section to compete a summary about the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus.