As part of the “Heritage to the Future Project” carried out by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, excavations are underway under the ancient city of Aspendos. One of these digs, ongoing since 2024, has just revealed something extraordinary.
Amidst the ruins of a nymphaion, a monumental fountain here attached to an entrance gate of the city, a largely complete marble statue of the god Hermes has been found. The discovery, announced by the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism, dates form the time of the Roman Empire.
Hermes was the messenger of Zeus, chief among the gods of Olympus. Also known to the Romans as Mercury, he was the fastest of the gods. He was the god of roads, trade, hospitality, diplomacy, competitions and astronomy in Hellenic mythology, Hermes is also described as the protector of both thieves and merchants, as well as shepherds and their flocks.
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The statue is depicted with a cloak over one shoulder, holding a staff known as a kerykeoin in its left hand and a purse of monies in its right. A ram stands next to the gods, with its head turned towards Hermes. The god himself is in a pose of relaxed readiness, one foot placed slightly in front of the other.
The statue may have been complete when it was found, but it certainly was not intact. However it seems that all the pieces of the statue are present, allowing it to be largely reconstructed by the team.
This assembly is now largely complete, allowing the statue to be appreciated in something approaching its former glory. Reassembled, it stands over 1.5 meters tall including its pedestal.
But this may just be the start of the finds at ancient Aspendos. The Heritage to the Future Project has found parts of the statues of other gods in the area: heads thought to belong to Aphrodite and Eros, as well as parts believed to be of a statue of Artemis, have been found.
The statuary reflects both the style of local artisans and the tastes of Imperial Rome, and the finds show an exceptional level of skill and beauty. It is hoped that more finds in the area will be uncovered soon.
Header Image: The statue of Hermes is being pieced back together. Source: Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
