The Origins of the Lydian Temple

A new temple was built in the mid-6th century BC, sponsored by the Lydian king Croesus who had his name inscribed on one of the column drums. Archaeologists found a rich collection of valuable objects including 93 Lydian coins made of electrum and intricately crafted items of gold ivory, terracotta and bronze. More recent investigations revealed a cache of jewelry, contemporary with a geometric temple, including many amber beads that may have been used to adorn the cult statue. We surprisingly very little about the rituals conducted for Artemis at Ephesus and the archaic and classical periods.