EPHESUS (city in Ionia)
Ancient Greek city in Anatolia
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Ionia
- Patron
- Artemis
- Landmarks
- Temple of Artemis of Ephesus Pausanias 4.31.8
- Where
- 37.94° N, 27.34° E
The goddess Artemis dwells within this city. Pausanias 4.31.8 The temple located in this city is considered noteworthy. Athenaeus 12.29 The city was located on the coast of Asia. Pausanias 1.9.7
Described in the sources
The Temple of Artemis is located in Ephesus and originally featured spirals beneath the columns. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 16.79 ¶1 +3 The painter Parrhasius was a native of this city. Athenaeus 12.62 +2 Ephesus was located on the coast formerly occupied by Carians and Leleges. Strabo 14.1.21 +1 Ephesus is 540 furlongs from Sardis, adding three days to the three-month journey to Susa. Herodotus 5.54.1 +1 Ephesus is located within the Ionian maritime territory along the Ionian coast in the region of Ionia. Strabo 14.1.2 +1 The city was originally built around the Athenaeum, where Androclus settled his companions near the Hypelaeum. Strabo 14.1.21 +1 Ephesus is situated near Magnesia and Priene, with the distance from Magnesia to Ephesus stated to be 120 stadia. Strabo 12.3.22 +1 Ephesus was one of the twelve Ionian cities. Strabo 14.1.4 Ephesus is located within the region of Lydia. Herodotus 1.142.3 The painter Apelles was a native of this city. Strabo 14.1.25
Gods and worship
The Amazons' quivers rattled as they danced in Ephesus. Callimachus, Hymn 3 ¶11 The Amazons beat their feet loudly during the dance in Ephesus. Callimachus, Hymn 3 ¶11 Loud pipes provided shrill accompaniment to the dance in Ephesus. Callimachus, Hymn 3 ¶11 Vases made by Mentor were consecrated to the deity Diana of Ephesus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 7.39 ¶1 The Amazons performed a holy rite for Artemis at the image in Ephesus. Callimachus, Hymn 3 ¶11 The Amazons then formed a spacious choir in a circle around the image. Callimachus, Hymn 3 ¶11
Stories and history
The Amazons are said to have founded the city and named it after themselves. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.31 ¶2 +2 The entire population of Asia jointly funded the temple's construction. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 16.79 ¶1 +1 Androclus expelled the Leleges, Lydians, and the greatest part of the inhabitants from the city. Pausanias 7.2.8 +1 The temple doors are made of cypress wood. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 16.79 ¶1 The Ephesians captured the city of Magnesia. Athenaeus 12.29 Aeolians expelled the Smyrnaeans from their city. Strabo 14.1.4 An Amazon named Smyrna took possession of the city. Strabo 14.1.4 One carved column in the temple was made by Scopas. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.21 ¶1 The men of Ephesus do not observe the feast of Apaturia. Herodotus 1.147.2 The Magnetes were engaged in a war against the Ephesians. Strabo 14.1.40
Myths set at Ephesus
- Dedication of the Statue by the Ephesians. hook: "" goal: "" outcome: "" beats: [ Pausanias 10.38.6 +1 Artemis