Greek goddess Hygieia’s head sees sun for first time in 2,100 years

A new artifact was unearthed in the ancient city of Laodikeia, where excavations are ongoing in Denizli. Within the scope of the works carried out in the ancient city, the statue head of Hygieia, the goddess of health and cleanliness, the daughter of Asclepios, the god of medicine in Greek and Roman mythology, was discovered.

After 2,100 years, this statue head was unearthed and Pamukkale University Archaeology and Laodikeia Excavation Committee Head professor Celal Simsek shared it on his social media account with the note “Hygieia’s meeting with the sun and us after 2,100 years in Laodikeia.”

“Hygieia is usually depicted in statues and reliefs with a snake in one hand and a bowl in the other,” he said.

Word ‘hygiene’ comes from Hygieia

Hygieia, the goddess of health and cleanliness in mythology, is the origin of the word “hygiene” used today.

Her father is the god Asclepius and with him, she is associated with medicine and healing.

Hygieia is usually depicted holding a bowl in her right hand, offering healing liquids that heal people. In mythology, she is known as a figure who taught humanity the importance of health and hygiene.