The city was famed for the worship of the goddess Diana and the practice of magic. Here was the great temple of Diana, which was regarded by the ancients as one of the wonders of the world. Its vast extent and surpassing magnificence made it the pride, not only of the city, but of the nation. Kings and princes had enriched it by their donations. The Ephesians vied with one another in adding to its splendor, and it was made the treasure-house for a large share of the wealth of Western Asia.{LP 134.3}

Byen var berygtet for at tilbede gudinden Diana og udøve magi. Her var Dianas store tempel, som datidens verden betragtede som en af verdens vidundere. Dets umådelige omfang og overordentlige pragt gjorde det til en stolthed, ikke kun for byen, men for nationen. Konger og fyrster havde beriget det med deres gaver. Effeserne kappes med hinanden at gøre det mere glansfuldt, og det blev gjort til skattekammer for en stor del af Vestasiens rigdom.