Temple of Artemis Magnesia

Magnesia am Maeander • Carl Humann • 1900 •

Magnesia ad Maeandrum - Sacred Agora

Artemision, Magnesia

Buried over time with flooding and landslides, waiting to be rediscovered.Society of Dilettanti • 1915

Frieze of Temple of Artemis in Magnesia on the Maeander

Louvre museum

The Pediment of the Temple of Artemis Leukophryene,
Magnesia ad Maeandrum

Temple of Artemis Leukophryene, Magnesia ad Maeandrum

2nd century BCE The temple of Artemis Leukophryene wasconsecrated to a local deity, Artemis Leukophryene, the goddess "with white eyebrows," known only to the Magnesians. Some people consider her to be the descendant of an ancient Phrygian mother goddess. Others compare her with the Artemis honored at Ephesus. She probably had the general features of Artemis (huntress, mistress and protector of animals, etc.) but was also considered the founder and benefactress of the town. Vitruvius mentioned the Temple of Artemis Leukophryene, an Ionic building with eight columns along the façade, as one of the major works of the architect and theoretician Hermogenes.

Magnesia Artemis Leukophyrene Tapınağı ● BSA SPHS Image Collection ● 1873 ●

Magnesia, known as the “city of incidents” since it has witnessed many important events throughout history, is best known for its temple dedicated to Artemis, the fourth biggest temple in Anatolia, and Zeus temples from the 3rd century B.C.

Magnesia Stadium

The ancient stadium of Magnesia, capable of seating 30,000 spectators, was uncovered in Aydın Germencik in 1984. This impressive archaeological find showcases the grandeur of ancient architecture and the importance of sports in that era. It's fascinating to think about the events that took place in such a vast arena, highlighting the cultural richness of the region's history.

The archetypal und archaic Anatolian goddess, Cybele, was revered not only throughout Anatolia but also on the neighboring (modern day) Greek islands.

Evidence of her cult can still be seen today in the cave formations and niches carved into hillsides. Her great gift to humanity is the mystery of rebirth.

Many of these caves symbolize the birth canal and end in womb-like forms. On the island of Samos, for example, one enters the caves as if stepping back into the darkness of the womb—not of a biological mother and father, but of the Great Goddess of eternity.

During our journey through Anatolia, we will visit many such places—caves and rock niches where Cybele was likely venerated long before the appearance and unveiling of the many goddesses who later emerged in human consciousness, in our hearts and in our souls.