Temple of Hadrian, Ephesus
The Temple of Hadrian is one of the main attractions at Ephesus, marketed in tourist brochures almost as much as the Celsus Library.
History
The name "Temple of Hadrian" is not entirely accurate: it is more a monument than a temple, and was dedicated to Hadrian, Artemis and the people of Ephesus. An inscription tells us it was erected around 118 AD by one Publius Quintilius (who is otherwise unknown).
The temple was partially destroyed in the 4th century, and it was during the course of restorations that the four decorative reliefs were added to the lintels of the interior of the porch.
What to See
The small, simple structure consists of just a pronaos (porch) and small cella (main hall). The porch is supported by two pillars and two columns of the Corinthian order. The architrave contains the dedicatory inscription from Publius Quintilius to Hadrian, Artemis and the people of Ephesus, and includes a bust of the goddess Tyche, protectress of the city. The pediment and decorative frieze of the pronaos have disappeared.
In the arched tympanum over the main portal is a carving of a half-nude woman surrounded by acanthus leaves; some identify the figure as Medusa, symbolically keeping evil spirits away. The cult statue of Hadrian once stood on a low podium at the end wall of the cella, but has been lost.
The interior of the monument is decorated with panels of reliefs along the top. The ones in place today are plaster replicas of originals protected in the Ephesus Museum.
The first three panels from the left depict the mythological foundation of Ephesus, and show representations of Androklos chasing a boar (part of the founding myth of Ephesus), the battle between Hercules and Theseus, and gods with Amazons. Most of these were taken from a 3rd-century building and placed here in the 4th-century reconstruction.
The fourth panel was created new at the time of the 4th century reconstruction, and is very interesting for the religious history of Ephesus. It shows Emperor Theodosius (who outlawed paganism) and his family surrounded by Athena, Apollo, Androklos, Heracles, Artemis of Ephesus, and several other historical and mythological figures.
The bases in front of the porch facade are inscribed with the names of Galerius, Maximianus, Diocletianus, and Constantius Chlorus, indicating that the bases originally supported statues of these emperors.
Sources
- Bernard McDonagh, Blue Guide Turkey 3rd ed. (2001), 223-24.
- Frommer's Turkey, 3rd ed.
