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Seven Wonders of the World

Last Updated on February 18, 2024

In the 3rd century BC, the Chief Librarian of the Library in Alexandria compiled a list of "Wonders of the World”. 

By the time the list was compiled, many of the wonders had been reduced to rubble, but they live on in legend all the same.

Turkey has two of the wonders which are in Aegean region of Turkey.

Temple of Artemis (Artemision) at Ephesus

Visiting the Temple of Artemis is an added bonus because of it’s location in Ephesus. The city has a great and rich history behind it, along with its fascinating building remains, besides the Temple of Artemis, such as The Celsus Library, Ephesus Great Theater, and The Domitian Temple. These structures show unique examples of Greek and Roman architecture. Furthermore, the city is important in terms of Christianity, as well, because the House of the Virgin Mary is there, and it is believed that Mary spent her last days at that house. It gets a great number of visits each year.

Ionian Greek colonists established Ephesus in the 6th century BC. Especially in the Roman era, it reached its peak wealth point by being one of the largest port cities in Anatolia. Moreover, it was a significant spot as a center of art and culture.

Once located in Ephesus, Selçuk, which is a city that dates back to before Christ and takes place on the UNESCO World Heritage List, The Temple of Artemis (Artemis Tapınağı) was a Greek temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis. It was built at the request of the king of Lydia, Croesus.

However, on July 21st, 356 BC, Herostratus set the temple on fire to show his mightiness upon the people of Ephesus. Later on, after its great renovation, the temple was built of the same size but 9 feet higher. Today, the only and latest remains of The Temple of Artemis are some sculpture pieces and the temple's foundation.

Transportation to the Temple of Artemis

You can go to The Temple of Artemis (map) by taking Izban (Tram of Izmir city) or by car. If you are going by Izban, you need to go to Selçuk, and for transportation to Izmir/ Selçuk, you need to take the train that goes towards Tepeköy direction. You can reach it within a 10-minute walk after getting off the train.

Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (Bodrum)

Located in Bodrum/ Muğla, The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was an ancient monumental tomb in Caria in Anatolia. 

It is believed that Dorians and his sister/wife (at those times, it was accepted normal to marry among family members), Artemisia II, built the mausoleum to honor Mausolus, the governor of the Persian Empire after his death to memorialize him. The monument, which was built by its time's best architectures, was massive and intriguing. 

 

Unfortunately, it was destroyed and took great damage due to earthquakes. Later on, its stones were reused for other buildings, and today, only a few fragments of the mausoleum's sculptures and reliefs remain.

Transportation to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is very close to the Bodrum Cruise Port (map), and it is easy to go there by following the beach path. If you are in the port, after walking about 200 meters up Saray Street, and when you go from there in the direction of Castle of St. Peter, you will see the museum's entrance on the right side.

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: Other Sites

Great Pyramid at Giza (Egypt: still there)

Colossus of Rhodes (Greece: gone)

Lighthouse (Pharos) of Alexandria (Egypt: gone)

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Iraq: gone)

Statue of Zeus at Olympia (Greece: gone)

-by Tom Brosnahan, updated by Duru Nemutlu

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