Antalya: The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on Monday the discovery of a marble statue of Hermes, the messenger of Zeus, along with fragments of other significant deities, during an excavation at the ancient city of Aspendos, located 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Antalya.

According to Anadolu Agency, the excavation, part of the "Heritage for the Future" project, revealed a Hermes statue dating from the Roman Empire period. The statue was found among the ruins of a monumental fountain (nymphaion) situated on the southern side of the entrance, east of Theatre Street. Hermes, known as the herald of the gods, is depicted holding a purse in his right hand and his cloak and caduceus in his left, with a ram beside his left foot.

The fragments of the statue were meticulously reassembled, presenting a near-fully complete version standing at a height of 1.65 meters (5.4 feet). The stylistic features date the statue to the Roman Imperial Period, specifically late 2nd century - early 3rd century AD.

Aspendos, once a vital cultural and commercial hub of the Roman Empire, lies in Antalya Province on the southern coast of Trkiye. Known for its remarkably preserved ancient theater, the city continues to attract performances today. Excavations also unearthed heads believed to belong to Aphrodite and Eros, reflecting the region's unique artistic style and period aesthetics.

Further discoveries included fragments believed to belong to Artemis, the goddess of hunting, and Nemesis, the symbol of justice and fate, as part of the ongoing 2024 excavations under the "Heritage for the Future" initiative.