Cybele (Kybele) and Artemis: Anatolians considered Cybele to be the mother of gods, and the goddess of motherhood, fertility, and mountains. Cybele was associated with a number of Greek goddesses including Rheia in mainland Greece, Demeter in Samothrake, Aphrodite on Mount Ida and Artemis in Karia. Greeks considered Artemis to be the goddess of the hunt, protector of wild animals, wilderness, childbirth and virginity. Because of her assimilation with Cybele, Artemis was honored differently in Ephesus than in other temples dedicated to her.

Gryphons: In depictions of Cybele prior to her adoption by the Romans, she is accompanied by lions symbolizing her raw fearlessness. The use of gryphons here is a nod to a Roman plaque of Cybele in which she wears a headdress with gryphons, representing fearlessness tempered by principles. This may be a reflection of a Roman attempt to soften the power of this foreign goddess as they incorporated the culture of her followers in 133 BC.

Melissa: In the temples of Artemis, Aphrodite, Demeter, Cybele, Diana and Rhea, priestesses were called Melissae, the Greek word meaning ‘the bees.’ It is said that the priestesses would ingest a poppy potion so they could commune with their goddess. While under the influence of that potion they would chant praises to their goddess that echoed in the temple and sounded to their followers like the buzzing of bees.

Poppies: Ancient healers used poppies medicinally to aid menstruation and childbirth. Here they appear as symbols of Artemis' virgin status.