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Artemis of Ephesus CA 1202 Sully 1st floor room 37 showcase 1 (3) The goddess’s body is sheathed in a narrow tunic, decorated with rows of superimposed breasts or bulls’ testicles, symbols of fertility. She is wearing a high calathos on her head. AR19 A close relationship has been established with the ‘ Great Artemis of the Ephesians ‘ (Acts 19:28) and the major goddesses of other peoples. Unlike the virginal Greek Artemis, she was an opulent goddess of fertility and one of the mother-goddess figures. Artemis of Ephesus and mother-goddess figures. A famous statue shows her with a black face, hands and feet. The imposing temple that is dedicated to her is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the word. Significant trade was built up around her cult. AR13 “Great is Ar´te·mis of the E·phe´sians!” Acts 19:28 Close analogies exist between her and Cybele, the Phrygian goddess, as well as other female representations of divine power in the countries of Asia (Ma of Cappadocia, Astarte of Phoenicia, and Atargatis and Myletta of Syria). It could be said that all these divinities are merely variations of one and the same religious concept. AR14 She was represented with all the attributes of the Mother of the Gods and accordingly she wore a crown of towers, reminiscent of the Tower of Babel. AR15 Ephesus was the crucible where the pagan cult of the mother-goddess was Christianised and transformed into the fervent worship of Mary, who became “Mother of God”. AR16, AR17 It was to the Christians of Ephesus that Paul the Apostle announced such a change of direction. - Acts 20:17-30, 2 Thessalonians 2:3, note. Theatre of Ephesus > In 431 AD, the third ecumenical council held in this city gave Mary the title of 'Theotokos’, a Greek word meaning ‘God-bearer’. The use of this title by the Church was a determining factor in the development of the Doctrine of Mary. The prototype of Feast of the Assumption processions could be seen in those made in honour of Cybele and Artemis. AR18