A marble statue of Hermes from the Roman Imperial Period was found during the 2024 excavation season in the ancient city of Aspendos, according to CNN Türk.
The marble statue depicts Hermes, known in Greek mythology as the messenger of Zeus and the fastest of the gods. He is portrayed holding a caduceus (staff) in his left hand, a purse in his right hand, and a cloak hanging down from his shoulder. The statue stands on an inscribed pedestal, with its weight placed on the left foot and the right foot slightly bent at the knee and extended forward, giving it a dynamic pose.
Beside Hermes' left foot, there is a figure of a ram with its head turned towards him. Including its pedestal, the statue reaches a total height of 1.65 meters and is stylistically dated to the Roman Imperial Period, specifically the late second century CE to early third century CE, reported Gazete Oksijen.
In the same area where the Hermes statue was found, archaeologists uncovered heads believed to belong to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, and Eros, the god of love. Body fragments thought to belong to Artemis, the goddess of hunting, wild nature, and animals, and Nemesis, the symbol of justice, balance, fate, and revenge, were also discovered, as reported by Cumhuriyet.
Hermes is known in Greek mythology as the god of roads, commerce, hospitality, diplomacy, competitions, and astronomy. He is also defined as the protector of thieves, merchants, flocks, and shepherds.
The ancient city of Aspendos, located in present-day Antalya province, was a center during the Roman Empire, known for its structures, including the well-preserved Aspendos Theatre, capable of hosting 15,000 spectators.
Aspendos thrived during Roman rule and became a hub of culture and trade. The city is also renowned for its aqueducts, stretching over one kilometer, which brought water from the northern mountains.
The excavations began in the 2024 season among the ruins of a monumental fountain (nymphaion) located on the southern wing of the entrance gate east of Theater Street. The Hermes statue was found in fragments during the excavation works, and nearly all of it was brought to light. The pieces were assembled in the excavation house's depot and evaluated in their complete form, according to Star.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.