The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was primarily built from marble.
The famous temple was a monumental sanctuary dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess associated with hunting and the protection of young women. Its later major version was built on a large scale at Ephesus, in present-day Turkey, and was celebrated for its marble columns, sculptures, and richly decorated architectural elements.
Ancient accounts emphasize the temple’s extraordinary size and ornamentation. Marble was especially suitable for its monumental columns and carved decoration, although other materials, including wood and metal, were also used in different components and phases of construction.
Several temples occupied the site over time. The best-known building was destroyed by arson in 356 BC and later rebuilt, so references to the Temple of Artemis can describe more than one construction phase. The surviving ruins today are only a small remnant of the ancient complex.