Grace of Ancient Art Emerges in Laodikeia: Hermes Sculpture Head Discovered in Ongoing Excavations

Discover the newly unearthed Hermes sculpture head in Laodikeia Ancient City, revealing the artistic elegance and cultural richness of the Roman Imperial period in Türkiye.

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as part of the Geleceğe Miras (Heritage for the Future) Project, a remarkable archaeological discovery has come to light in the ancient city of Laodikeia, located near modern-day Denizli in southwestern Türkiye. Excavations conducted in the Bouleuterion (Council House) and Prytaneion complexes have revealed a finely crafted marble head of the god Hermes, offering fresh insight into the city’s artistic sophistication during the Roman Imperial Period.

The newly uncovered sculpture head was found in the eastern entrance corridor of the Bouleuterion and is carved from high-quality white Dokimeion (İscehisar) marble, a material prized in antiquity for its purity and durability. Preliminary analysis dates the work to the mid-2nd century CE. The delicate facial features, carefully rendered eyes and irises, and elegantly curled locks—topped with the emblematic wing motif—reflect the stylistic legacy of the renowned classical sculptor Praxiteles. Experts identify the piece as an outstanding example of the “Hermes Andros” type, a sculptural tradition admired across the Mediterranean world for its balance, naturalism, and poise.

A Window Into Laodikeia’s Prosperity and Cultural Identity

The discovery highlights the economic strength and refined aesthetic sensibility that characterized Laodikeia in antiquity. Situated at the crossroads of major trade routes in the Lycus Valley, the city flourished as a hub of textile production, agriculture, and commerce. Its wealth funded ambitious civic projects—monumental theaters, colonnaded streets, temples, and council buildings—demonstrating both political influence and cultural ambition. Finds such as the Hermes sculpture help document how this prosperity was translated into patronage of the arts, confirming Laodikeia’s role as a vibrant urban center in the Roman world.

Beyond its economic significance, Laodikeia carries deep historical and cultural resonance. The city was one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in early Christian tradition, yet it also preserved strong ties to classical religion and philosophy. Public buildings like the Bouleuterion and Prytaneion were not only administrative spaces but also symbols of civic pride, where art and architecture communicated the identity and values of the community.

The Enduring Symbolism of Hermes

In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, Hermes—known as Mercury in Latin tradition—was the messenger of the gods, patron of travelers, commerce, eloquence, and transitions. His imagery often accompanied spaces associated with movement, communication, and civic life, making his presence in a council building both meaningful and contextually appropriate. The iconography seen in the Laodikeia sculpture—youthful features, dynamic hair, and small wings—embodies Hermes’ attributes of speed, intelligence, and mediation. Such artworks were not merely decorative; they carried symbolic messages about prosperity, diplomacy, and the orderly flow of public affairs.

Preservation, Documentation, and Future Research

Following the discovery, conservation and documentation procedures are being completed to ensure the integrity and long-term protection of the artifact and its architectural context. Excavations at Laodikeia continue uninterrupted within the scope of the Geleceğe Miras Project, which prioritizes sustainable heritage management and the responsible sharing of archaeological knowledge with the public.

The Hermes sculpture head stands as a significant scholarly gain, enriching our understanding of artistic production in Roman-period Anatolia and reaffirming Laodikeia’s place among the region’s most culturally expressive cities. As ongoing research reveals further connections between art, economy, and civic identity, Laodikeia once again demonstrates how the elegance of ancient craftsmanship can illuminate the stories of the past—and bring them gracefully into the present.

General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye

Cover Image Credit: General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye