A previously unknown sanctuary dedicated to Artemis of the Bee, also known as the 'Temple of the Sacred Honey', has been discovered three kilometers from the main site of ancient Ephesus. This archaic-period structure served as the center for the 'Melissai', the priestesses of Artemis who were associated with the bee symbol found on Ephesian coinage.
The excavation has yielded several terracotta beehive-shaped jars and bronze bee amulets. This find confirms long-held theories about the biological and agricultural religious rites that formed the foundation of the Artemis cult before the construction of the Great Temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.