The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Michael Denis Higgins

Author:Michael Denis Higgins
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2023-05-15T00:00:00+00:00

The greatest Temple of Artemis was at Ephesus on the Aegean Coast of Turkey (Figure 6-3). Construction began in 323 bce with the creation of a stepped platform several metres above the surrounding area, which enhanced the height of the temple and protected it from flooding. The 127 columns were 18 metres high and 1.5 metres in diameter, with those on the front resting on sculpted bases, an unusual feature (Figure 6-4). The temple was roofed in the usual way but with a central courtyard open to the sky. The principal cult figure of Artemis was probably placed in a smaller temple within the courtyard. The western pediment had a central window with doors that may have been used to show another cult figure, perhaps during ceremonies at the altar. It was flanked by two other openings and four statues—probably of Amazons, the legendary female warriors who were considered by the Greeks to be the founders of the city. The interior of the temple must have been equally impressive, as ancient writers tell of columns guided in silver and gold, paintings and religious statues by famous sculptors—but alas nothing of this remains.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.