It was probably founded as an Ionian city in the 9th century BC (some believe that in the 11th-14th centuries). The creation of the city is also attributed to the Amazons, who appear as its founders in several myths. The Amazons are said to have placed a wooden image of Artemis under an oak tree in Ephesus, around which they made sacrifices, danced war dances, and played songs. Foundations were built around this wooden statue. Artemis of Ephesus was called the Cretan Lady of Ephesus.
