ISTANBUL – Hermes is a major deity in Hellenic religion and contemporary Pagan traditions. The son of Zeus and Maia, one of the Pleiades. He is known for his swiftness, intelligence, and versatility. As the messenger of the gods, Hermes facilitates communication between the divine and mortal realms. He is revered for his influence over roads, commerce, hospitality, diplomacy, and astronomy and is the protector of thieves, merchants, and shepherds. Additionally, he serves as a psychopomp, guiding souls to the underworld, a role that connects him to both life and death.
Lately, Hermes has also been making frequent appearances in archaeological discoveries. In Sofia, Bulgaria, a remarkable find last year unearthed a well-preserved marble statue of Hermes in an ancient Roman sewer. The 6.8-foot (2-meter) statue, discovered at Heraclea Sintica, an ancient city near the Greek border, is believed to have been discarded when Christianity suppressed pagan worship. Despite minor fractures on the hands, the statue was in remarkable condition. Prof. Dr. Lyudmil Vagalinski, who led the excavation, identified it as a Roman copy of a Greek original, emphasizing Hermes’ enduring cultural significance.
Now, another extraordinary Hermes statue has emerged—this time in Aspendos, Türkiye. Ongoing excavations at this historic site continue to uncover artifacts that offer deeper insights into its Roman-era significance.
Aspendos was a thriving Greco-Roman city, flourishing as a center of culture, trade, and engineering. Its strategic location near the Eurymedon River made it a hub for commerce and horse breeding. Under Roman rule, Aspendos expanded, featuring monumental structures such as the Aspendos Theater, aqueducts, a basilica, and an agora (marketplace). Built during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161–180 CE), the theater could accommodate 15,000–20,000 spectators and is famous for its superb acoustics, which continue to allow performances today. The 1-kilometer-long aqueduct system, designed to transport water from the northern mountains, showcases Roman ingenuity in urban planning and infrastructure.
Aspendos also played a significant role in the Attica-Delos Sea Union, minted its own coins in the 5th century BCE, and later negotiated autonomy under Alexander the Great before coming under Roman control in 133 BCE.
The recently discovered Hermes statue was found near a monumental fountain (nymphaeum), south of the eastern entrance gate of Theatre Street in Aspendos. This marble statue, dated to the late second to early third century CE during the Roman Imperial Period, showcases Hermes in his classic form, capturing his many attributes and roles.
Hermes is depicted holding a caduceus (staff) in his left hand, symbolizing his function as a messenger and diplomat among the gods. In his right hand, he carries a purse, reinforcing his association with commerce and wealth. A cloak is draped over his left shoulder, adding a sense of movement and elegance to the sculpture. His stance is dynamic, with his weight resting on his left foot, while his right foot is slightly bent at the knee and extended forward, creating a lifelike and naturalistic pose. At his left foot, a ram’s head is positioned facing Hermes, linking him to pastoral traditions and shepherding deities.
Statue of Hermes being reconstructed. Via Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Though the statue was found in fragments, archaeologists recovered nearly its entire form, allowing a full restoration in the excavation house. The remarkable condition of the statue provides valuable insights into Roman artistic techniques and the cultural significance of Hermes in Aspendos.
The discovery of Hermes is part of a larger archaeological effort that has yielded several other important statues. Excavations have uncovered the statue heads of Aphrodite and Eros. Additionally, body fragments believed to belong to Artemis and Nemesis have been found, suggesting that Aspendos may have housed a Roman-era sanctuary or public space adorned with statues of deities.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the find on March 3, 2025, expressing enthusiasm over the Hermes discovery on X, stating, “In Aspendos, the silent witness of time, figures that have been buried for centuries have come to light. During the ongoing excavations within the scope of our Future Heritage project, a statue of Hermes from the Roman Imperial Period was uncovered.”
The excavation, part of the Heritage for the Future Project, continues to enrich Türkiye’s archaeological legacy. The unearthing of multiple deities’ statues reinforces the importance of Aspendos as a cultural and religious center during the Roman Imperial period.
The Aspendos Amphitheater [Photo Credit: Saffron Blaze CCA-SA 3.0
The discovery of the Hermes statue in Aspendos holds significant importance for multiple reasons. First, it confirms Roman influence in the city, as the statue’s style and craftsmanship align with Roman adaptations of Greek deities, highlighting the cultural synthesis that took place under Roman rule. Additionally, Hermes’ association with trade and commerce suggests that Aspendos was a major commercial hub, reinforcing its historical role in economic activity.
The find also has religious significance, as the presence of other divine figures, including Aphrodite, Eros, Artemis, and Nemesis, indicates that Aspendos may have housed a larger religious site dedicated to multiple deities. The statue’s near-complete state provides invaluable insight into Roman-era sculptural techniques and artistic traditions, offering scholars a rare opportunity to study such well-preserved craftsmanship, and possibly, how ancient practices continue to influence cultural, economic, and religious activities today.
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