The Temple of Hadrianus

     This temple- like monument was contsructed in the same city block as the Baths of Varius on the northside of Kuretes Street. Thus Ephesus gained the title of Neokoros for the second time during the reign of the  Emperor Hadrianus. From the architrave inscriptions it is known this temple was constructed by P.Vedius Antonius Sabinus of Ephesus in honor of Emperor Hadrianus (117-138 A.D.). There is a Syrian pedimenton top of the Corinthian columns on the side facing the street. The cella measures 7.50 m. × 5 m. In the middle of the far end, there is a pedestal upon which the statue of emperor stood. Apotropaic elements are emloyed in the architectural parts of the capitals on the temple facade. The carving of the statue of Tykhe (Fortune), the Goddness of Fate, on the corner stone, which is in the mid-section of the arch in front, was keep the city fortunate, as the statue rises from whole acanthus leaves. In 300 A.D. statues of the tetrarchs were placed on the pedestals in front of the columns beside Kuretes Street. The pedestals of Diocletianus Constantinus Ciarus, Maximianus and Galerius remain, but the statue of the treacherous Maximianus (Senior)was later replaced by a statue of Emperor Theodosios father. These pedestals were added in the restoration following the earthquake. In the second reconstruction  of this temple, the date of which is disputed, most of the material that was employed was original. Medusa, issuing from acanthus leaves with arms wide open, is depicted in the semicircular panel of the block over the entrance gate of the cella. The story of the legendary  establishment  of the city of Ephesus is depicted on a narrow line of friezes on both sides of this relief, the original relief carvings are today in the Museum of Ephesus. In the left corner, a mounted Androklos, the founder of the city, is depicted chasing the wild boar as described in the legends concerning the foundation of the city, the Oracle of Delphi makes a prophecy about Androklos, who wanted to emigrate to the west and establish a city in Anatolia. On these friezes there are relief carving of Athena, Artemis, Apollo, a female figure, Androklos, Hercules, Theodosius’ father, the Emperor Theodosius, Artemis of Ephesus, the wife and son of Teosius, Dionysus and the Kuretes.