Seven churches

THE SEVEN CHURCHES
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The goddess Artemis was the principal deity worshiped at Sardis, as well as at Ephesus
and other cities. Artemis and her brother Apollo were said to be the children of Zeus and
Leto. In legends, Artemis is often pictured as a pure and virgin huntress, fearless in
opposing her adversaries. As the goddess of the city, she may have been perceived more
in her role as a mother goddess, a provider of fertility and overseer of childbirth.
The Acropolis
The city was home to the famous bishop Melito in the 2nd century.