Türkiye’s ancient Aspendos reveals Hermes statue from Roman Era
The statue of Hermes, known as the god of hospitality, diplomacy, competitions, and astronomy in Greek mythology, was uncovered in fragments during excavations and was reassembled into a complete form in the excavation house storage. (AA Photo)
A marble statue of Hermes, the messenger of Zeus in Greek mythology, was discovered during archaeological excavations at the ancient city of Aspendos, part of the “Legacy for the Future” project initiated by the Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
A monumental find in theatre district of Aspendos
The Hermes statue was found near the monumental fountain (nymphaion) located to the south of the entrance gate on the eastern side of the Theatre Street in Aspendos, in the 2024 excavation season.
The excavations revealed the statue in fragments, but nearly the entire statue was uncovered. It was reconstructed in the excavation house, and its final form has been assessed. The statue, with its base, reaches a height of 1.65 meters and is stylistically dated to the late second century to early third century A.D., during the Roman Imperial Period.
Depiction of Hermes with symbolic features
The statue depicts Hermes holding his caduceus (staff) with his left hand while a purse hangs in his right hand. His flowing cloak is draped over his left shoulder. Beside his left foot, a ram’s head faces Hermes.
The statue stands on a pedestal, with weight placed on the left foot and the right foot slightly bent forward, giving it a dynamic pose.
Aphrodite and Eros heads found in same area
Along with the Hermes statue, heads believed to belong to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, and Eros, the god of love, were discovered in the same area. These sculptures were crafted in a local artistic style, reflecting the aesthetic values of the era.
During the same excavation campaign, other significant finds were made, including body fragments believed to be associated with Artemis, the goddess of nature and hunting, and Nemesis, the goddess of justice and revenge.
A testament to Aspendos’ historical richness
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy shared his excitement over the discovery, stating, “The silent witnesses of time in Aspendos have been brought to light. The figures that have been buried for centuries are now uncovered.”
The ongoing excavations as part of the “Heritage for the Future Project” have unearthed not only the statue of Hermes but also statues of Aphrodite, Eros, and fragments of sculptures linked to Artemis and Nemesis.
Ersoy expressed his gratitude to the team involved in the excavations and hoped the works would enrich the cultural and tourism heritage of Türkiye.
Aspendos: A jewel of Roman architecture
Aspendos, a significant city in the Roman Empire, was known for its impressive structures, including the theater and aqueducts. The city, which thrived during Roman rule, became a center of culture and trade. The Aspendos Theatre is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman theater architecture, capable of hosting 15,000 spectators.
The city’s aqueducts, stretching over 1 kilometer, brought water from the northern mountains, showcasing extraordinary engineering skills. Aspendos’ monumental structures reflect the grandeur of the Roman period, offering valuable insights into ancient architectural techniques.
Aspendos’ rich history and strategic importance
Aspendos was a member of the Attica-Delos Sea Union and minted its own coins during the fifth century B.C. It rose to prominence after the Persian fleet was defeated near the city in 468 B.C. Under Alexander the Great, Aspendos negotiated to remain autonomous, paying a tax to Persia. The city later fell under Roman control in 133 B.C. and saw significant growth in the second and third centuries A.D.
Aspendos was impacted by Arab raids in the seventh century A.D. but was later taken by the Seljuks in the 12th century. Today, the remains of its grand structures, including the theater, aqueducts, and various other monuments, stand as a testament to its rich history and cultural legacy.
Aspendos today: A hub for archaeological discovery
The ongoing excavations at Aspendos offer a unique opportunity to explore one of the most important archaeological sites in Türkiye. As new discoveries are made, they continue to shed light on the city’s significance during the Roman era and its continued influence throughout history.
The Aspendos Archaeological Site remains a crucial part of Türkiye’s cultural and historical heritage.
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