Description
The original Temple of Artemis was constructed in about 334 B.C., after the surrender of Sardis to Alexander the Great. During the Roman Imperial period (2nd century A.D.), the temple was redesigned and enlarged to its present form. The decline of the temple during the fourth century A.D. was probably due to the rise of Christianity and the closure of pagan sanctuaries during the Byzantine period. A small Byzantine chapel was added in the following century at the east end of the temple.
