The Temple of Hadrian, located in the middle of the ancient city of Ephesus, was built to honor the Emperor of Rome Hadrianus. It was built between 117-138 AD. It is a little also astonishing structure standing on the left side as you proceed up the marble path from the Celsus library towards the Hercules gate.
The Temple of Hadrian, also known as the Temple of the Divine Hadrian or the Temple of Hadrian and Antoninus Pius, is an ancient Roman temple located in the city of Ephesus in modern-day Turkey. Built in the 2nd century AD, the temple was dedicated to the deified Roman emperors Hadrian and Antoninus Pius. It is one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world and a major tourist attraction in Turkey.
The Temple of Hadrian is located in the city center of Ephesus, near the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater. It is situated on a rectangular platform and is surrounded by a colonnade of Corinthian columns. The temple’s facade is adorned with reliefs and statues, including a large statue of Hadrian in a toga, seated on a throne. The reliefs depict various scenes from Greek mythology, including the Labor of Hercules and the story of Perseus and Andromeda.
The interior of the temple is divided into three main sections: the cella, the pronaos, and the opisthodomos. The cella, or main room, was used for the cult statue of Hadrian and was adorned with marble and frescoes. The pronaos, or front porch, was used for ceremonies and rituals, while the opisthodomos, or rear porch, was used for storing votive offerings.
The Temple of Hadrian was an important center of worship in the Roman Empire and played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of Ephesus. It was visited by pilgrims from all over the Roman world and was considered a symbol of the city’s wealth and power.
About Emperor Hadrian
Emperor Hadrian was an emperor who constantly traveled and preferred to determine and solve problems on his own rather than running his empire from the far-away capital, Rome city. Emperor Hadrian took over the empire from warrior emperor Trajan, an emperor who made the borders of the Roman Empire stretch from North England to the gulf. During his 21-year rule, Hadrian followed more peaceful ways to guard these broad borders. He preferred to determine and solve problems on his own by making trips instead of managing the country from the capital. Many buildings and sculptures were made in his honor before or after these visits. Many of these monuments have survived to the current day. These works are exhibited in many museums in Europe, especially in Germany in the UK, and also in Turkey.
Guide to the Temple of Hadrian in Ephesus, Turkey
Despite its age, the Temple of Hadrian has been remarkably well-preserved over the centuries. It was damaged by earthquakes and looting in the past, but much of its original architecture and decoration has survived. Today, the temple is a major tourist attraction in Ephesus and is considered one of the most important ancient ruins in Turkey. It is a testament to the art, religion, and culture of the Roman Empire and a must-see destination for anyone interested in ancient history.
The Temple of Hadrian in Ephesus was built to honor the emperor arriving in Ephesus. The Temple of Hadrian in Ephesus was built in the Corinthian order. There are interesting reliefs on the door beam depicting the founding legend of Ephesus. King Androklos hunts the boar. A meeting of the Amazons and gods is depicted. The temple was restored because it was partially demolished in the 4th century, while four reliefs were added, adorning the inside walls of the portico. Today originals of temple reliefs are in the museum of Ephesus in Selcuk and plaster molds are placed in their original place in Ephesus.
The Temple of Hadrian is a must-see on any Ephesus tour. I liked to stop at this attraction in every Ephesus tour I organize. You can always write to me if you need to learn more about the Temple of Hadrian in Ephesus or book a professional licensed tour guide to Ephesus ancient city and temple of Hadrian in Ephesus. See you soon, Hasan Gülday.
