Temple of Domitian

Ephesus


This ruined temple recalls Domitian (r AD 81–96), the tyrant as evil as Nero who banished St John to Patmos (where the evangelist wrote the Book of Revelation), and who executed his own nephew for showing interest in Christianity. The unpopular ruler demanded the structure be raised in his honour, but the temple and its statue were promptly demolished when news of his assassination reached Ephesus. The head of the statue is now in the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ephesus attractions

1. Pollio Fountain

0.02 MILES

Backing onto the Upper Agora, this fountain honouring the builder of a nearby aqueduct hints at the lavish nature of ancient Ephesus' fountains, most of…

2. Asclepion

0.02 MILES

A side road called Sacred St running along the western edge of the Upper Agora led to the Asclepion, the medical centre of Ephesus. Protected by the god…

3. Temple of Isis

0.05 MILES

Objects discovered in this small temple in the Upper Agora suggested that it was dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis.

4. Memmius Monument

0.05 MILES

This monument from the 1st century AD is dedicated to Caius Memmius, nephew of the dictator Sulla who sacked Ephesus in 84 BC. Pillars with dancing…

5. Hydreion

0.06 MILES

This rectangular fountain with four columns sits next to the Memmius Monument.

6. Hercules Gate

0.06 MILES

Marking the upper boundary of the Curetes Way, this two-storey gate with reliefs of Hercules on both main pillars was constructed in the 4th century AD…

7. Upper Agora

0.07 MILES

This large square measuring 58m by 170m, and used for legislation and local political talk, was flanked by grand columns and filled with polished marble…

8. Prytaneum

0.08 MILES

Two of six original Doric columns mark the entrance to the ruined Prytaneum, one of the most important civic structures in Ephesus. Within and dedicated…

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