Records of the period of the Temple Artemis
Records of the period of the Temple Artemis
The Temple of Artemis in Sardis a large but unfinished Hellenistic temple in western Turkey dates back to the early 3rd century BC under the Seleucid Empire. Photographic documentation of the excavation of the Temple of Artemis in Sardis began in 1911. These historical images capture moments during the archaeological excavations of the Temple of Artemis. Previously the Temple of Artemis in Sardis was partially buried by landslides on the Acropolis for centuries before its complete recovery by American archaeologists in the early 20th century reflecting the dedication of early archaeologists.
The Temple of Artemis located in the ancient city of Sardis Turkey was once the capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom and has a history spanning over 3,000 years. This temple is one of the largest Ionic architectural structures in the ancient world with construction beginning around 334 BC.
The Temple of Artemis in Sardis the fourth largest Ionian temple in the classical world was dedicated to the Roman emperor alongside the goddess Artemis. Dating back to the 2nd century AD it underwent expansions but remained unfinished. The church's floor-standing columns and Ionian capitals of the halls along with Hellenistic carved columns typically made of cement blocks covered with lead for horizontal joints and vertical mortise and tenon joints are notable features.
The ruins of the Temple of Artemis in the ancient city of Sardis Turkey are famous for their massive Ionic columns of which only a few remain today. The brick structure visible in front of the columns is the remains of a small Byzantine chapel built later.
The lead-clad iron with its slender proportions protecting against rust and expansion that could crack the stone remains only on the long sides with its foundations intact. The four remaining columns on pedestals two on each side were likely taken from the original cellar or from a portico shortened to fit the eastern portico obstructing the walls and entrance. This is evidence of an incomplete construction.
The intricately carved Ionic capital is located at the ruins of the Temple of Artemis in the ancient city of Sardis Turkey. The capital pictured is notable for its large spiral volutes carved from marble.
Reconstruction was necessary due to earthquake damage. Behind the temple is a small ruined Byzantine church indicating that the massive building must have been adapted for Christian use before its collapse. The decline of the cult the destruction of the temple and the closure of the sanctuary reveal intricate details including numerous Ionian capitals at ground level. The building is now in ruins. This was the largest Ionian temple ever built a symbol of devotion to the goddess Artemis and a testament to ancient cultural richness much like the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Hera on the island of Samos which stand against the ruins of this colossal structure.
