Remarkable discoveries in Türkiye may reinterpret Artemis’s ancient divine roots

In a recent article, The Guardian highlights that new archaeological discoveries near the Syrian border are shedding light on ancient roots of the Artemis myth. 

As the sun set over the Giza plateau, casting a soft glow, Mahmoud, the owner of a camel named Michael Jordan, asked Bettany Hughes about her second favorite of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Naturally, the Great Pyramid of Giza takes the top spot—it's a social media sensation now, especially after a family of dogs made it their home. Its complex chambers and shafts were once covered in polished limestone, so radiant it would have gleamed like silver under the desert sun.

Yet, as we shared some crumbling falafel, Bettany admitted that her personal favorite among the Seven Wonders is likely the least famous: the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus. Situated on what is now the western coast of Türkiye, this temple was dedicated to Artemis (Diana in Roman mythology), the fierce and untamed goddess of nature, hunting, and all things wild. A symbol of strength and compassion, Artemis was depicted with carvings of bees, strange monsters, and possibly breasts or bulls' testicles, all of which spoke to the temple’s dual nature as both powerful and nurturing.

Every time she visits the remains of this immense stone temple, she is reminded of its influence on the many Greek and Roman temples that came after it. This wonder was twice the size of the Parthenon in Athens and became a model for structures from Olympia to Sicily.

King Croesus of Lydia, renowned for his immense wealth, adorned the Temple of Artemis’ intricately carved inner columns with pure gold. Stunning bronze statues and depictions of fierce Amazonian warriors—some say the legendary Amazons themselves laid the foundation stones—graced the upper levels and sanctuary area.

For some, the initial view of the site today can be somewhat disheartening: where there was once a forest of towering stone, only one column stands. Vendors offer overpriced plastic replicas of the original temple, and much of the fine masonry has been destroyed by earthquakes, concealed by reeds, or taken to museums in the West.

But it’s important to imagine the site in its prime. It was a true sanctuary, offering a place of refuge where people could seek asylia (the origin of the word asylum) and protection from the goddess. Even Cleopatra's sister sought refuge here while fleeing her scheming sibling, though she was eventually dragged out and murdered on the temple steps.

She also have a deep affection for Artemis's earthly sanctuary at Ephesus because the temple holds a richer cultural connection to Türkiye. The Artemis revered here was an eastern nature goddess, quite different from the ethereal figure that would later adorn Roman villas and vases.

Excavations in the southeast, near the Syrian border, are revealing what could be Artemis’s ancient divine ancestors. In the fertile crescent between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, archaeologists are uncovering the remarkable 11,000-year-old site of Karahantepe, which seems to be a blend of one of the world’s earliest proto-cities and a large festival gathering spot. So far, only 1 per cent of the site has been excavated, and the discoveries are remarkable. An oval chamber filled with massive stone phalluses is watched over by a striking male face with a mustache and the body of a snake. The discovery of the female counterpart is expected soon.

Excavations in the southeast, near the Syrian border, are uncovering what could be the ancient predecessors of Artemis. In the fertile crescent between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, archaeologists are unearthing the astonishing 11,000-year-old site of Karahantepe, which appears to be a mix of one of the earliest proto-cities and a grand festival venue. With only 1 per cent of the site excavated so far, the finds are already extraordinary. Among them is an oval chamber filled with massive stone phalluses, guarded by a striking male face with a mustache and a serpent's body. The female counterpart is anticipated to be uncovered soon.

By Naila Huseynova