Records of the period of the Temple of Artemis in Sardis

Records of the period of

the Temple of Artemis in Sardis

1911 Photograph of the Excavation of the Temple of Artemis in Sardis  This historic image captures a moment during the archaeological excavation of the Temple of Artemis in Sardis Turkey in the early 20th century.Evidence of unfinished construction. These columns were generally made of lead-covered iron, cement blocks that were built without joints using clamps for horizontal joints and dowels for vertical joints. The slender proportions of the lead-covered iron prevented rust and expansion that could cause the stone to crack. Only the long sides had foundations. The four columns on platforms two on each side were probably removed from the original crypt or from the gallery. Since these columns were shorter than the other external ones the platforms were necessary. The crypt was divided in half by a transverse wall. An entrance door was built at the east end

and the western gallery was shortened to fit into the new eastern gallery. In the same era or perhaps at the same time in the Roman Empire (2nd century) originally built in the 3rd century BC. In the Greek era under King Antiochus I the small church quarry on the east side was probably built in the 5th century. The decline of the cult and the destruction of the temple and the closure of the pagan sanctuary At the rear of the temple is a small ruined Byzantine chapel suggesting the great building must have been converted to Christian use before it's eventual demise.The temple we see today was begun c300 BC but left unfinished until the Roman period when renovation was also necessary following earthquake damage.

The building is now in ruins with only two columns remaining at its full height but the sheer scale of the building is still impressive with several Ionic capitals at ground level conveying the intricate detail and impressive scale. The temple,ne of the largest Ionic temples ever built dates back to the 4th century BC with construction likely beginning after the arrival of Alexander the Great around 334 BC. The photograph reflects the dedication of early archaeologists to the remains of this monumental structure which was once a symbol of devotion to the goddess Artemis and a testament to the cultural richness of ancient Lydia.the Artemis Temple at Ephesus the Apollo Temple at Didyma and the Hera Temple on Samos.