Temple of Artemis, Sardis

The Temple of Artemis in Sardis was the fourth largest Ionic temple in the world. Originally built in 300 BC by the ancient Greeks, the temple was renovated by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. During the Roman period it served also as a temple of the imperial cult.

Just outside the entrance was an altar of Artemis much older than the temple, from as early as the 6th century BC. In the Hellenistic period the altar was incorporated into a large stepped platform that still exists.

Most of what remains today dates from the Roman rebuild in the 2nd century. Only two complete columns and a few partial ones still stand, but the temple remains an impressive sight against the backdrop of the acropolis.


On the western side of the temple is a freestanding altar to Artemis that dates from the 6th-5th century BC. Built against the southeast corner of the temple was a small Christian chapel of the 4th century.

Temple of Artemis, Sardis

Temple of Artemis, Sardis