IONIA. Ephesus. Claudius.(41-54).Cistophorus.

Obv : TI CLAVD CAES AVG ( Ti(berius) Claud(ius) Caes(ar) Aug(ustus) // Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus).
Bare head left.

Rev : ROM ET AVG, COM ASI (Rom(a) et Aug(ustus) Com(mune) Asi(ae) // Rome and Augustus, Koinon of Asia).
Temple with two columns enclosing figure of Augustus crowned by female figure holding cornucopia.
RIC I 120; RPC I online 2221; BMC 228..

Condition : The coin is in good condition, with well-preserved features, particularly the portrait and the detailed structure on the reverse. The patina is a light silver-gray color, with some areas showing slight wear and scratches, indicating its age and circulation. The surface remains relatively smooth with some minor abrasions, but overall, the design elements are clearly visible and intact. The light patina enhances the coin's historical appearance without obscuring any of the important details.Good very fine.

Material : Silver.
Axis : 6h

Weight : 10.62 gr
Diameter : 26 mm

Diana of Ephesus, also known as Artemis of Ephesus, was a goddess widely worshiped in the ancient city of Ephesus, located in what is now modern-day Turkey. Although the Greek goddess Artemis was traditionally associated with the wilderness, hunting, and chastity, the Ephesian version of Artemis, or Diana as she was later called by the Romans, had distinct characteristics and a unique role within the region.

The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was the primary center of her worship. This grand temple was a monumental symbol of her importance, not just to Ephesus, but to the entire ancient world. Built around the 6th century BCE, the temple attracted pilgrims from across the Mediterranean, offering sacrifices, gifts, and prayers to the goddess. The sanctuary was known for its size, ornate decorations, and massive columns, as well as for being a hub of commerce and culture.

Unlike the classical Greek Artemis, who was primarily a virginal huntress, the Artemis of Ephesus was more closely associated with fertility, nature, and motherhood. Statues and depictions of her often showed her with multiple rows of breasts or with symbols that some interpret as representations of fertility, prosperity, or the nourishment of life. These symbols emphasized her role as a life-giver and protector of both women and nature.

As a goddess of fertility and the protector of childbirth, Diana of Ephesus was deeply revered by women. Her cult rituals often involved celebrations of life, growth, and renewal. Ephesus itself was a city that thrived under her protection, and festivals in her honor were key to the city’s religious and social life. The most important of these was the Artemisia festival, which was held annually and included processions, sacrifices, and athletic competitions.

The worship of Diana of Ephesus persisted even as the city underwent various cultural shifts, including Roman conquest. While the Romans equated her with their goddess Diana, the local cult maintained its distinctive practices and iconography. The temple remained a place of pilgrimage and religious importance until the rise of Christianity, when it began to lose its influence. In 268 CE, the temple was damaged during a raid by the Goths, and later, as Christianity became the dominant religion in the region, the cult of Artemis was gradually abandoned.

Today, the legacy of Diana of Ephesus endures through archaeological remnants, including fragments of the great temple and various statues of the goddess. The symbolism of Artemis as a multifaceted deity, encompassing fertility, protection, and the wild aspects of nature, offers insight into the complexity of ancient religious beliefs and their adaptation to local customs and environments. Diana of Ephesus remains one of the most intriguing figures in ancient mythology, reflecting the rich cultural history of Ephesus and the broader Mediterranean world.