A marble sculptural group depicting Asclepius, the god of medicine, alongside his son and assistant Telesphorus, was discovered in Aspendo (or Aspendos), Turkey, as part of the excavation campaigns for the “Legacy for the Future” project. The discovery was announced by Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy via his social media channels.
The work, which stands 2.20 meters tall and dates to the Roman Imperial period, was discovered among the ruins of the northern wing of the Monumental Gate, on the western side of the Eastern Square along the Theater Road. The sculptural group is dated to the last quarter of the 2nd century A.D. and features stylistic elements characteristic of the artistic production of the era, such as the rendering of the figures, the arrangement of the folds in the himation, and the detailing of Asclepius’s hair and beard.
In the tradition of classical antiquity, Asclepius represented medicine, the treatment of diseases, and the protection of health, while Telesphorus, depicted wearing a long, hooded robe, symbolized the completion of treatment, healing, and the convalescence phase. The composition thus provides a representation of the healing process in its entirety, from the treatment of illness to the person’s full recovery. The discovery offers new insights into the study of health-related cults, the belief system, and social life in ancient Aspendo.
 |
| Turkey: A Roman marble group depicting Asclepius and Telesphorus Discovered in Aspendo |
Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.
IT
FR
DE
ES
CN
