IONIA. Ephesus. Ca. 2nd century BC. AR SILVERdrachm (3.76 gm). Magistrate. E-Φ, bee with straight wings seen from above , stag standing right, palm tree beyond. SNG Copenhagen 283-298 var. (magistrate). As a Greek colony on the coast of Ionia, Ephesus (founded ca. 10th century BC) was a cultural hub of Ancient Greece. It was particularly important for Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, whose birthplace was considered near Ephesus. Her importance to the city was so great, the Temple of Artemis was built in her honor and would become a place of worship for her cult in Ephesus. The stag was symbolic of Artemis as it was often seen by her side, protecting her on hunts. The bee connects to Artemis particularly in Ephesian context, as it became a civic emblem due to its symbolism of nature and femininity as it related to Artemis.