During the second century transformation of Jerash, a new sanctuary of Artemis was dedicated around AD 150/1 and was probably completed in AD 180;¹ the column today located in Queens was reportedly taken from this temple or its temenos; however, our investigation has challenged this interpretation. Scroll down to read more about the temple or click here to learn more about where the column may have come from.

Temple of Artemis, Jerash (Sean Leatherbury / Manar al-Athar)

The Sanctuary of Artemis is located at the center of the city near a monumental nymphaeum on the western side of the cardo. The sanctuary has an elevated position of 570 m above sea level and it has a commanding view of the city. Occupying over 34,000 m², the sanctuary is composed of five major parts:  eastern and western propylaeas, the altar terrace, the temenos of the sanctuary and the temple.² The elements of complex were constructed to suit the rising, hilly topography of the site.

Western Propylaea, or entrance to the Temple of Artemis, Jerash (Sean Leatherbury / Manar al-Athar)

Upon entering the western propylaea, one entered the main passage and faced a staircase leading to a terrace between the upper temenos and the entrance, where an altar was located. From this landing, a series of seven wide steps led up to the main temenos (162 x 123 m),³ where the Temple of Artemis was located. A portico of Corinthian columns encloses the temenos.

Due to its position atop a hill and to one’s approach to the temple via two sets of stairs, the Temple of Artemis (24 x 53 m) is imposing. ⁴ Like many Roman temples, it is positioned atop a solid podium (22.6  x 40 m x 4 m) ⁵ and is accessible by two sets of stairs. The temple is a hexastyle, peripteral temple with a deep porch with two rows of columns, of which the inner columns, closest to the cella (17 x 11.2 m), are in antis.