The Amazons

And here is one of those Amazons I was telling you about on our way in! Actually, it's a copy, since the bronzes are currently being cleaned of their oxidation. Not only did Amazons found Ephesus, they were made legendary by their expert archery and horsemanship. Statues such as this one were created in a contest held between famous sculptors, including Pheidias, Polykleitos, and Kresilas for the outfitting of the Temple with beautiful works of art.

Amazons were originally from the area around the river Thermodon, which is to the south of us. The Amazon nation is descended from Ares and Harmonia, and with their success on the battlefield, they definitely are their father's daughters! But they are also considered to be loyal worshippers of Artemis. Queen Otrere was so faithful as to have raised the first temple to Artemis on this very site in the 600s BCE.