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Ephesus: Imperial Temple
A temple to Roman emperors stood near the city's center. Dedicated in A.D. 89-90, during the reign of Domitian, the temple was to honor emperors from the Flavian family: Vespasian, Titus, Domitian, and perhaps Domitian’s wife. A row of columns graced each side of the temple and an altar stood in front. Statues of traditional deities adorned the structure. Inside was a colossal statute of an emperor. This temple was used for the worship of the Flavian emperors throughout the province of Asia. Domitian was publicly condemned after his death in A.D. 96 because of his brutal attempts to suppress all perceived opponents. Nevertheless, the imperial temple at Ephesus continued to promote the worship of other emperors in his family.