The Emperor in question, Domitian, took his throne in 81 AD and initially seemed to be a good, honest administrator. It didn't last.

He became increasingly tyrannical and declared himself a God.

Sure enough in 96 AD he was assassinated and the Senate declared he be sentenced 'to oblivion'.

This meant he was effectively wiped out of history and statues of him were destroyed.

However, the Senate could never have foreseen the work of archaeologists almost two thousand years later.

Shortly after entering Ephesus from the top gate you will see the remains of the temple shown above.

This is, or was, the Temple of Domitian and whilst not much remains in situ the head and one arm of an enormous statue of the man were also found (See leading picture).

They are now in the Museum, about which we'll write later.

As so few images of Domitian survived they are yet another important aspect of the archaeology at Ephesus.

By the way modern historians have a much kinder view of Domitian.

They believe his work helped pave the way for the glorious 2nd century AD when the Roman Empire was at its height.