Sculpture of Greek God Hermes Found in Athens

News November 15, 2020

(Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports)
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Athens Hermes Sculpture
(Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports)

ATHENS, GREECE—According to a statement released by Greece’s Ministry of Culture and Sports, municipal workers discovered a fragment of an ancient sculpture built into a sewer line under Aiolou Street, near St. Irene Square. The head is thought to depict Hermes, the herald of the gods and protector of travelers, and may have been part of a column placed at a crossroads to serve as a road sign. The style of the artwork suggests it was carved in the fourth or early third century B.C. by the sculptor Alkamenos. To read about a marble relief fragment depicting Hermes, go to "Not Quite Ancient."

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