Ephesus - The Aegean Coast - Cities and Towns in Turkey - Turkey - Home
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The Temple of Domitian |
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Flavian dynasty, Domitian became Emperor in 81 A.D. Although when he
first became emperor, he was an honest administrator. Later he became
an tyrannical despot, proclaiming himself "Lord and God" (Dominus et
Deus). Assassinated with the connivance of his wife Domitia, his memory
was damned by decree of the senate (Damnatio memoriae) and all his
statues destroyed. Erected on a pseudodipteral plan with 8 x 13 columns, it was one of the largest temples in the city. A colossal statue was discovered here consisting of an arm with clenched fist made from a single piece of marble and a very well-preserved head. The temple and statue in Ephesus are of particularly great importance in view of the very few remains connected with Domitian. |
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Though it is often called the Temple of Domitian, it is more accurately known as the Temple of Flavian Sebastoi. It bears an inscription dedicated to Domitian, yet it may have honored the entire Flavian family. Understanding the imperial cult sheds a lot of light on the context of early Christianity. The imperial cult thrived mostly in the East (hence why it had such an impact on Ephesus), and the West. Most of its early expansion was on the fringes of the empire, although it was not completely absent in Rome. |
CLICK HERE for
additional photos of Ephesus
and
HERE for photos of some of the intricate
detail work to be found in Ephesus.
| It is best to visit Ephesus with a good
guide - especially if it is your first visit. Although there are many licensed,
official tour guides, I believe that Can (John) Yigit is one of the best. One of
the main reasons is, not only does he love this place, but he worked here beside
the archeologists when he was in college. And, is very personable. His English
is excellent and he makes the place come alive with his narrative. Contact
information is as follows: Can Yigit Gsm +90 532. 426 63 35 Tel +90 256. 612 83 30 email: guidecan68@yahoo.com P.O. Box 152 09400 Kusadasi / Aydin / Turkey Here
are a couple of comments about John. |
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