On This Day
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BC Herostratus sets fire to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World

The Temple of Artemis or Artemision, also known as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek temple dedicated to a localised form of the goddess Artemis (equated with the Roman goddess Diana).

The Temple of Artemis or Artemision, also known as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek temple dedicated to a localised form of the goddess Artemis (equated with the Roman goddess Diana). It was located in Ephesus, near modern day Selçuk in Turkey). The original temple was among the Seven Wonders of the World and was burnt down in 356 BCE by Herostratos on the eve of the birth of Alexander the Great. While it had been destroyed and rebuilt many times in ancient history, the last incarnation of the temple was destroyed in 401 CE. Only foundations and fragments of the last temple remain in the present day.

The beginning of the history of the temple is unclear. It is known, however, that the earliest version of the temple was destroyed by a flood in the 7th century BCE.

Historical Significance

The Temple of Artemis or Artemision, also known as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek temple dedicated to a localised form of the goddess Artemis (equated with the Roman goddess Diana).

Events Before

  1. Roman Emperor Constans is assassinated and the general Magnentius proclaims himself the new Emperor

    Roman Emperor Constans is assassinated and the general Magnentius proclaims himself the new Emperor

  2. Roman usurper Nepotianus of the Constantinian dynasty proclaims himself Roman Emperor and enters Rome at the head of a g

    Roman usurper Nepotianus of the Constantinian dynasty proclaims himself Roman Emperor and enters Rome at the head of a group of gladiators

  3. Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, is defeated and killed by troops of the usurper Magnentius, in R

    Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, is defeated and killed by troops of the usurper Magnentius, in Rome

  4. Liberius begins his reign as Catholic Pope replacing Julius I

    Liberius begins his reign as Catholic Pope replacing Julius I

  5. Roman Emperor Constantius gives grand circus and theater shows to mark 30th year of his reign as Caesar in Arles

    Roman Emperor Constantius gives grand circus and theater shows to mark 30th year of his reign as Caesar in Arles

Events After

  1. Battle of Strasbourg: Roman Caesar Julian defeats the Alamanni tribal confederation led by King Chnodomar, who is captur

    Battle of Strasbourg: Roman Caesar Julian defeats the Alamanni tribal confederation led by King Chnodomar, who is captured and taken to Rome in chains

  2. Honoratus, first known Prefect of the City of Constantinople, takes office, after the Emperor Constantius creates a new

    Honoratus, first known Prefect of the City of Constantinople, takes office, after the Emperor Constantius creates a new senate for the East

  3. Athanasius returns to Alexandria

    Athanasius returns to Alexandria

  4. Emperor Julianus of Constantinople's "School Edict" prohibit Christian teachers from using pagan literature, which was s

    Emperor Julianus of Constantinople's "School Edict" prohibit Christian teachers from using pagan literature, which was standard text for classical education at the time

  5. The temple of Apollo at Daphne, outside of Antioch, is destroyed in a mysterious fire

    The temple of Apollo at Daphne, outside of Antioch, is destroyed in a mysterious fire

More from the 350s

Roman Emperor Constantius II closes all pagan temples

Persecution of pagans in the late Roman Empire began during the reign of Constantine the Great (r. 306–337) in the military colony of Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem), when he destroyed a pagan temple...

Roman Emperor Constans is assassinated and the general Magnentius proclaims himself the new Emperor

Roman Emperor Constans is assassinated and the general Magnentius proclaims himself the new Emperor

Liberius begins his reign as Catholic Pope replacing Julius I

Liberius begins his reign as Catholic Pope replacing Julius I

Roman usurper Nepotianus of the Constantinian dynasty proclaims himself Roman Emperor and enters Rome at the head of a g

Roman usurper Nepotianus of the Constantinian dynasty proclaims himself Roman Emperor and enters Rome at the head of a group of gladiators

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on July 21, 356?
The Temple of Artemis or Artemision, also known as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek temple dedicated to a localised form of the goddess Artemis (equated with the Roman goddess Diana). It was located in Ephesus, near modern day Selçuk in Turkey). The original temple was among the Seven Wonders of the World and was burnt down in 356 BCE by Herostratos on the eve of the birth of Alexander the Great.
Why is BC Herostratus sets fire to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, one of the Seve... significant?
The Temple of Artemis or Artemision, also known as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek temple dedicated to a localised form of the goddess Artemis (equated with the Roman goddess Diana).

Explore More

July 21 in HistoryYear 356