The unique types of Artemis ephesus' statue during the roman age

Abstract EN

This paper aims to shed light on two unique types of Artemis Ephesus' statue, which represent the zodiac signs intermittently, or unusually, and at to explore what these types symbolize.

these types have never been studied in an analytical study before.

the first type is a representation of only three zodiac signs, with no sequence order (aries, cancer, and scorpio), whereas the second one is a representation of nine signs of the zodiac in an unfamiliar order.

yet, this study introduces artemis's new functions during the hellenistic and roman period, the common types of her statue, which helps to explain these rare types, and why zodiac sign were represented with artemis ephesus.

it presents a descriptive study of these two types, followed by an analytical study.

this study shows that the zodiac signs became a dominant feature of artemis ephesus's statues from the second century A.D., especially during the era of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 A.D).

this feature emanates from her cult connected to magic, astrology, and protection.

this study has proven that each type of artemis ephesus's statue had a specific meaning associated with its cult and functions, or the site in which the statue was found.

the first type connected to astrological medicine, in that it refers to the ability of artemis ephesus to heal and protect from diseases by exploiting the magical powers found in them.

however, the second type was found on leptis magna statue which was discovered d in the chapel near amphitheater and circus.

this statue symbolizes the motif of victory and her ability to give contestants victory, especially those who are participating in sports competitions.

this means that this type is associated with the environment in which the statue was found.