The Temple of Hadrian in Ephesus was built to honor the Roman emperor Hadrian, who visited the city in 128 AD and ruled the Roman Empire from 117 to 138 AD. The temple is an impressive example of Roman architecture and engineering and one of the best-preserved ruins in Ephesus. It is located on the south side of Curetes Street, the most famous street of Ephesus.
Table of contents
- Construction History and Benefactor Information
- Excavation and Reconstruction of the Temple
- Initial Interpretation of the Temple of Hadrian
- The Most Plausible Theory About the Temple
- The Temple of Hadrian in Ephesus Video
- Architectural and Artistic Details
- Decoration and Friezes of the Temple of Hadrian
- Cultural and Religious Impact
- The Temple of Hadrian After Dark
- Who is Emperor Hadrian?
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Construction History and Benefactor Information
It has been discovered that the temple was constructed on this site as early as 117/118 AD, in conjunction with the neighboring Varius Bath complex. The benefactor of both the temple and the bath complex was P. Quintilius Valens Varius, a wealthy Ephesian citizen, along with his wife and daughter, Varilla. Varius and his daughter were actively involved in religious functions associated with the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Excavation and Reconstruction of the Temple
The temple was unearthed in 1956 during the excavations of Ephesus. The Temple of Hadrian in Ephesus was reconstructed between 1957 and 1958 using original parts and supported with modern pieces to gain the appearance of a full temple. The reconstruction, carried out by the Austrian Archaeological Institute, was completed in 2014 and the temple took its final form in 2015.
Initial Interpretation of the Temple of Hadrian
The excavator F. Miltner initially interpreted the building, based on the inscription found, as the Neocoria Temple of Ephesus, suggesting it served as the official imperial cult temple dedicated to Emperor Hadrian. It was believed that Hadrian himself had granted the city permission to construct this temple in 132/133 AD.
The Most Plausible Theory About the Temple
The Temple of Hadrian is located on Curetes Street, one of the city’s most famous and bustling areas, adjacent to the Varius Baths. The owner of the Varius Baths and donor of the so-called Temple of Hadrian was P. Quintilius Valens Varius. This suggests that Varius may have built the temple to enhance the popularity of his bath complex. The temple even served as a meeting point for festivals held in honor of Artemis. The inclusion of Hadrian’s name in the inscriptions does not signify the temple as an imperial cult site. it was likely a typical gesture to honor the emperor by including his name.
The Temple of Hadrian in Ephesus Video
Architectural and Artistic Details
An inscription engraved on the archivolt of the entablature tells us that the temple may dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, Ephesian Artemis, and the demos of Ephesus by the Ephesian asiarch Poplius Vedius Antoninus Sabinus. The Keystone relief decorated with floral patterns in the middle of the curved arch is Tyche, the goddess of good fortune. When we enter the interior of the temple, it is thought that the female figure in the semi-circular relief on the door may possibly be Medusa. However, there is no definitive clarity on this matter.
Decoration and Friezes of the Temple of Hadrian
Gods and Goddesses Honored
The Temple of Hadrian is deeply rooted in the mythology and religious beliefs of the ancient world. It honors not only Emperor Hadrian but also the gods and goddesses of the Roman pantheon. The temple’s artworks and inscriptions depict various deities, illustrating the rich tapestry of ancient mythological narratives.
Relief Frieze and Connection to Artemis
A relief frieze in the vestibule is now recognized as part of the original structure. This frieze depicts scenes from the early days of the Temple of Artemis. Additional elements on the temple also reference the Artemis cult, further connecting the building to the goddess.
Deities on the Friezes and the Foundation Story of Ephesus
Both sides of the temple are decorated with friezes. In these friezes from left to right, the founding story of Ephesus (Androclus and wild boar), Dionysus in the procession, and Amazons are depicted. The figures on the fourth frieze are Apollo, Athena, Androclus, and Heracles, respectively. During the final restoration of the temple, these friezes were replaced with replicas. The originals of the friezes are on display in the Ephesus Archaeological Museum today.
Cultural and Religious Impact
The Temple of Hadrian was more than just a structure. it was a center of religious and cultural life in Ephesus. Dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, the temple also paid homage to the deities of the Roman pantheon. It served as a place of worship and a gathering spot for the citizens, playing a crucial role in the religious and social dynamics of the city.
Role in Ceremonial Processions and Connection to Hadrian
Findings suggest that the Temple of Artemis, referred to as a “temple” or “shrine” in its inscription, was likely part of ceremonial processions that originated at the Temple of Artemis. These processions traveled through the city, returning to the temple via Curetes Street. Although Emperor Hadrian may have been honored during these processions, the building was almost certainly not his official imperial cult temple.
The Temple of Hadrian After Dark
Starting in 2024, the ancient city of Ephesus is now open for evening visitors from March 1 to October 1. The illuminated city offers a breathtaking experience, and the illuminated Temple of Hadrian is particularly stunning. Click the links below for more information on evening visits and Ephesus night tours.
Ephesus Evening Tour: https://www.bestephesustours.com/private-ephesus-evening-tour-from-kusadasi.html
Discover Ephesus After Dark (Article): https://www.bestephesustours.com/blog/discover-ephesus-after-dark.html
Who is Emperor Hadrian?
Hadrian was the third of the five so-called good emperors of the Roman Empire. (Respectively Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius). He was born in the Roman province of Hispania Baetica on January 24 76 A.D. His father was Publius Aelius Hadrianus and his mother was Domitia Paulina. Hadrian is generally considered one of Rome’s greatest emperors. So that he is best known for the famous Hadrian’s Wall in northern England, military conquests, public construction projects, and the road networks he built throughout the Roman Empire.
Hadrian was born into a humble family. But the fact that his father was a senator in Rome gave him a promising future. He had a sister whom he loved dearly and she would eventually marry Emperor Trajan.
Hadrian had a privileged education life. From childhood, he was very ambitious for power and glory. He studied rhetoric and law during his childhood and youth. Later he served in the Roman army in Germany and Britain. Hadrian became emperor on July 10, 117 AD, at the age of 43. After 21 years of reigning, Hadrian died in 138 AD at the age of 62.
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