Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
Turkey

Why this ancient Seven Wonders temple was special
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was one of the most elegant buildings of ancient times. It boasted over 100 graceful marble columns, each measuring more than 15 meters (50 feet) in height. The structure covered an area several times larger than does the Acropolis in Athens.

History in brief
The Temple of Artemis literally had its ups and downs over the centuries. It was erected around 600 BC and burned down in about 550 AD. It was then rebuilt into a bigger and more magnificent version. 
The Temple of Artemis was destroyed again in 336 BC, this time by an arsonist named Herostratus who wanted to immortalize his name (2300 years later it appears he succeeded). 
The temple was again rebuilt, even bigger and better than before. Except for its lumber-supported roof covered with glazed terra cotta tiles, the new Temple of Artemis was made almost exclusively of marble (a first in its day). Inside, the temple was richly decorated with sculptures and other artworks created by leading artists. It more or less survived intact until the invading Goths severely damaged it in 262 AD.
Sadly, the Temple of Artemis was never rebuilt again. What remained slowly disintegrated with the help of earthquakes. By the 5th Century AD, most of the marble had been salvaged for local building needs.
When I explored the Temple of Artemis site 15 centuries later, all that remained was one reconstructed column (of uncertain origin) and a marshy field strewn with large chunks of marble (that or may not have belonged to the Temple of Artemis).

Interesting tidbits about
the Temple of Artemis
Many tales about the Temple of Artemis have been passed down by ancient writers. One was penned by the Roman historian Pliny. He related that Alexander the Great offered to finish rebuilding the burned down temple on the condition that his name be inscribed in gratitude on the new Temple of Artemis. These temple authorities were miffed by this egotistical demand of an outsider, but didn't want to anger the powerful conqueror Alexander. So, they came up with this clever diplomatic rejection: It is unfitting for one god to build a temple for another god.
Another legend tells us that Alexander the Great was born on July 21, 336 BC, the same day the earlier mentioned arsonist Herostratus burned down the Temple of Artemis. The goddess Artemis did nothing to stop the temple from burning because she was too busy attending to Alexander's birth.
The Temple of Artemis was a tourist attraction in its heyday. It drew travelers from afar. A local cottage industry produced souvenirs and religious items including miniature statues of Artemis. Hawkers sold them to visitors, which helped the local economy.
Seafaring ships once docked in the riverside harbor of bustling Ephesus, the ancient city where The Temple of Artemis was located. Eventually, silt clogged the harbor and its entrance, preventing ships from ever again reaching the harbor.
If you're going to visit the Temple of Artemis site, be sure to reserve a day or two to explore the spectacular ruins of Ephesus. It is a Hillman Wonders Silver Medal winner. Click the round green "top 1000 wonders list" button to see my complete list of my Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal winners.