My vacation interrupted my “day in history posts,” but they are back!  On this day (or approximately on this date–give or take a day) in 356 B.C., the great Temple of Artemis was destroyed by arson.  The original temple was one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, and its original site was at Ephesus (modern-day Turkey).  It was originally built by around the eighth century B.C., but a flood destroyed it in the seventh century B.C.   About 550 B.C., it was rebuilt, and this is the temple I am referring to.

This amazing structure drew people from all over the ancient world, including merchants, kings, sightseers, and those seeking refuge.  On this auspicious day of today’s feature, Herostratus set fire to this temple so that his name would be preserved for eternity.  It is said that Artemis was too busy with the birth of Alexander the Great (who was coincidentally born on the same day) to save her burning temple.  Herostratus was sentenced to death, and his name was not permitted to be spoken.  Interestingly, the term “herostratic fame” is derived from his name and means “fame by destructive means.”

For more information:

http://www.definitions.net/definition/Herostratic%20fame

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Artemis#Destruction_by_Herostratus

http://www.ephesus.ws/temple-of-artemis.html

http://www.cleveleys.co.uk/wonders/templeofartemis.htm

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/temple-of-artemis.html

http://voices.yahoo.com/temple-artemis-destroyed-arson-356-bc-8841117.html