Archaeologists uncover statue depicting Hermes in Athens

A recent discovery in Athens has uncovered a remarkable statue of a naked male figure, believed to be a representation of Hermes. 

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is an ancient Roman theater situated on the southwestern slope of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Built in AD 161 by Herodes Atticus to honor his Roman wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla, the theater serves as a tribute to her memory, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Recent excavation work for gas installations has uncovered a statue portraying a naked male figure in the Ludovisi Hermes style, a sculptural type typically linked to the god Hermes, particularly in his role as Hermes Psychopompus.

In ancient Greek religion and mythology, Hermes is an Olympian god known as the messenger of the gods. He is also celebrated as the protector of heralds, travelers, thieves, merchants, and speakers.

Similar statues to the one found in Athens include the Hermes Ludovisi at the Palazzo Altemps and the Anzio Hermes housed in the Museo Nazionale Romano.

In the Roman imperial period (1st to 5th centuries AD), the area to the south of the Acropolis, where the statue was discovered, was home to several luxurious Roman villas.

The villas were lavishly adorned with mosaic floors and sculptures created by the famous Neo-Attic workshops, which emulated the style of reliefs and statues from the Classical (5th–4th centuries BC) and Archaic (6th century BC) periods.

The Greek Ministry of Culture stated: “After documenting the statue, the staff of the Ephorate of Antiquities of the City of Athens will ensure its secure transport to the conservation laboratories, where it will undergo the required preservation and care.”

By Naila Huseynova