Sardis
AA-2026-B60F1D
On the image
The architects of the Temple of Artemis likely envisioned something grand, a structure that would endure for millennia. They achieved the millennia part, but not quite in the way they planned. Now, in the 1970s, the remaining columns stand as stark reminders that even the most ambitious projects eventually become tourist attractions and historical footnotes.
Around the ancient foundations, modern agriculture continues its quiet work. Terraced fields climb the hills, indicating that people still needed to eat, regardless of past glories or forgotten gods. A road, presumably for cars, winds through the valley, demonstrating humanity's unchanging need to get from one place to another with minimal effort.
The entire scene offers a subtle lesson in priorities: build colossal temples, farm a hillside, or pave a road. One of these options consistently provides more immediate, tangible returns, which explains why the fields and the road look busier than the sacred ruins.
The historian's note
This image captures the ruins of the Temple of Artemis at Sardis, located near modern-day Salihli, Turkey, during the 1970s. Sardis was an ancient city that served as the capital of the kingdom of Lydia in the 7th century BCE and later became an important center under Persian, Hellenistic, and Roman rule.
The Temple of Artemis, a colossal structure, began construction around 300 BCE and saw various phases of building and reconstruction, particularly under Roman emperors in the 2nd century CE. It was one of the largest Ionic temples ever built, known for its impressive scale and the architectural ambition of its builders.
By the 1970s, extensive archaeological excavations had been ongoing at Sardis for decades, particularly by Harvard and Cornell Universities. The site, situated at the base of Mount Tmolus, reveals not only the temple but also a synagogue, gymnasium-bath complex, and residential areas, offering insights into over a thousand years of continuous occupation.
Subjects & keywords — each links to a search
Visually related — by likeness
Temple of Artemis Ruins at Sardis, Turkey, 1970s. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-B60F1D. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/temple-of-artemis-ruins-at-sardis-turkey-1970s.
@misc{aaAA2026B60F1D,
title = {Temple of Artemis Ruins at Sardis, Turkey, 1970s},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-B60F1D},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/temple-of-artemis-ruins-at-sardis-turkey-1970s}
}TY - ART TI - Temple of Artemis Ruins at Sardis, Turkey, 1970s PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-B60F1D UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/temple-of-artemis-ruins-at-sardis-turkey-1970s ER -
From the community
Identifications, corrections, and discussion from readers — reviewed by a librarian before appearing here.
Sign in to add an identification, correction, or comment.
No notes yet — be the first to add what you know about this image.