A marble statue group depicting the god of health Asklepios and his son, Telesphoros, has been discovered at the Aspendos Ancient City in Antalya, Turkey.
The find dates back to the last quarter of the 2nd century AD and belongs to the Roman Imperial Period.
Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the discovery on his social media account, referring to the find as the “1,800-Year-Old Symbol of Healing.”
2.20 meters
The height of the marble statue group.
Description of the figures
Asklepios, who represented medicine and the preservation of health in ancient times, is depicted as a standing adult male with long, thick hair and a beard. The statue features intense drill work in the hair and beard, reflecting the sculptural style of the Roman Imperial Period.
The figure of Asklepios is shown with a 'himation' draped over his left shoulder. While much of his right arm has not survived, it was designed to rest on a staff entwined with a snake.
Telesphoros, who represented the completion of treatment and convalescence, is depicted with a child-like appearance in a long, hooded garment. He is positioned in front of Asklepios's left foot and is significantly smaller than the main figure.
The statue group was located among the ruins of the north wing of the Monumental Gate on the west facade of the East Square on Theater Street.
The discovery provides new data regarding the role of health and healing cults in the urban life of Roman-era Aspendos.
Updates
The discovered statue group, located within the ruins of the Monumental Gate, depicts the full process from illness to recovery through its specific iconography. Telesphoros's placement in front of Asklepios's foot and his long, hooded garment revealing a columnar appearance further highlight the cult connection and period-specific sculptural details. Additionally, single-source reports suggest the find is expected to provide deeper insights into the religious and social life of Roman-era Aspendos once scientific examinations are complete.
Found as part of the Future Heritage Project within the Monumental Gate ruins, the statue group's iconography holistically depicts the entire process from illness treatment to complete recovery. The placement of Telesphoros in front of Asklepios's foot reveals their cult connection, while Telesphoros's long, hooded garment gives him a columnar appearance. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy has issued a statement thanking the excavation team and involved institutions for the discovery.
The statue group, discovered as part of the Future Heritage Project within the Monumental Gate ruins, features iconography that holistically depicts the entire process from the treatment of illness to complete recovery. The placement of Telesphoros in front of Asklepios's foot reveals a cult connection, while Telesphoros's long, hooded garment provides him with a columnar appearance. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy expressed gratitude to the excavation team and the General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums for the find.
Discovered as part of the Future Heritage Project, the statue group was found within the ruins of the Monumental Gate, suggesting its placement in a public and ceremonial area of the city. The iconography holistically depicts the entire process from illness to complete recovery, while the placement of Telesphoros at Asklepios's foot reveals the cultic connection between the two figures. Cultural Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy has officially recognized the contribution of the excavation team and the General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums regarding this find.
Discovered as part of the Future Heritage Project, the statue group was found within the ruins of the Monumental Gate, suggesting its placement in a section of the city with public and ceremonial importance. The iconography holistically depicts the entire healing process from illness to recovery, while Telesphoros's position in front of Asklepios's foot reveals the cult connection between the two figures. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy expressed his gratitude to the excavation team and relevant directorates following the find.
