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Artemis

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Artemis was a very important goddess in ancient Greek religion.

0 Artémis (Diane) - Galleria dei Candelabri - Vatican
0 Artémis (Diane) - Galleria dei Candelabri - Vatican

She was known for many different roles and duties. Many people saw her as the goddess of hunting and the wild. She also looked after nature, plants, and wild animals.

Artemis, Parian pottery plate, 675-600 BC, AM Mykonos, 177233
Artemis, Parian pottery plate, 675-600 BC, AM Mykonos, 177233

People believed she could bring both good health and illness. Because of this, she was a patron of healing. She was especially important to women and young children. Some even called her a protector of childbirth and midwifery.

Many stories describe how Artemis lived and acted. She was often seen roaming through forests and mountains. She usually traveled with a group of nymphs.

Volubilis mosaic Diana and her nymph
Volubilis mosaic Diana and her nymph

Artemis was known as a maiden who stayed unmarried. This made her one of the three major virgin goddesses. She was also a goddess that the goddess Aphrodite could not control. In art, she is often shown with a bow, arrows, and a quiver.

Artemis Manicalunga MAR Palermo
Artemis Manicalunga MAR Palermo

The deer was a sacred animal that was linked to her. Some stories say she could even change people into animals.

Artemis had a very famous family history. She was the daughter of Zeus and Leto.

Brauron - Relief of the Gods
Brauron - Relief of the Gods

She was also the twin sister of the god Apollo. There is a story that says she was born first. In that account, she helped her mother give birth to Apollo. Her birth happened on the island of Delos. This was because the goddess Hera had forbidden Leto from giving birth on solid land.

Apollo Artemis Delos MAN
Apollo Artemis Delos MAN

There are many interesting facts about her worship and name. One of her greatest temples was at Ephesus.

Ac artemisephesus
Ac artemisephesus

This temple was so huge it was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Scholars are not entirely sure where her name comes from. Some think it might be related to the Greek word for bear.

Bronze statue of Artemis. 4th cent. B.C
Bronze statue of Artemis. 4th cent. B.C

In some places, girls would dress up as bears during special festivals. Her name also appears in very old Greek writings from Pylos. These writings are called Linear B.

Artemis connects to many other ideas and gods. The Romans called her goddess Diana.

0 Artémis (Diane) - Galleria dei Candelabri - Vatican
0 Artémis (Diane) - Galleria dei Candelabri - Vatican

Later on, people sometimes identified her with Selene, the personification of the moon.

Artemis torches Chiaramonti Inv1432
Artemis torches Chiaramonti Inv1432

She was also linked to Hecate, the goddess of crossroads. Because she was so close to nature, she was often called the mistress of animals. This title is known as Potnia Theron. Her influence can be seen in many different ancient cultures and stories.

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🖼️ Images & Media (30)
File:0 Artémis (Diane) - Galleria dei Candelabri - Vatican.JPG
0 Artémis (Diane) - Galleria dei...
File:Artemis, Parian pottery plate, 675-600 BC, AM Mykonos, 177233.jpg
Artemis, Parian pottery plate, 675-600...
File:Artemis libation Louvre CA599.jpg
Artemis libation Louvre CA599.jpg
File:Artemis Manicalunga MAR Palermo.jpg
Artemis Manicalunga MAR Palermo.jpg
File:Arte romana, latona in fuga con artemide e apollo, 350-400 dc ca. (kunstsien stichting).jpg
Arte romana, latona in fuga con artemide...
File:Tityos Leto Louvre G42.jpg
Tityos Leto Louvre G42.jpg
File:Herakles Ceryneian Hind Louvre F 234bis.jpg
Herakles Ceryneian Hind Louvre F 234bis.jpg
File:Krater Aktaion Louvre CA3482 n2.jpg
Krater Aktaion Louvre CA3482 n2.jpg
File:Volubilis mosaic Diana and her nymph.jpg
Volubilis mosaic Diana and her nymph.jpg
File:Niobe JacquesLouisDavid 1772 Dallas Museum of Art.jpg
Niobe JacquesLouisDavid 1772 Dallas...
File:Wall painting - Artemis and Kallisto - Pompeii (VII 12 26) - Napoli MAN 111441.jpg
Wall painting - Artemis and Kallisto -...
File:Artemis (Diana) from the "Rospigliosi type", Roman copy of the 1st–2nd centuries AD after a Hellenistic original, Louvre Museum (7462739810).jpg
Artemis (Diana) from the "Rospigliosi...

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