It was only found now, 1600 years later, in good condition.
A marble statue of Hermes was discovered in the ancient city of Heraclea Sintica (southwestern Bulgaria). The sculpture was hidden in a local sewage canal at the end of the 4th century BC, probably to avoid being destroyed by Christians.
The statue is slightly taller than the average human height – about 2.07 m. It is well preserved, although the right arm is broken off. Hermes is shown standing, with a chlamys thrown over his left arm. The entire figure rests on a tree trunk, and there is also a support between the legs. The statue’s left hand should be caduceusbut it is unclear whether it has survived – the figure has not been completely cleared. The sculpture dates back to the 2nd century AD, but most likely imitates or copies an earlier Greek work (4th century BC).
The statue was found in Cloaca Maxima, the main closed sewage canal of Heraclea Sintica. It was placed on its side against the wall, facing it. Most likely, the statue was hidden there intentionally. Ludmil Vagalinsky (head of the expedition) believes that this happened after the earthquake in 388 AD. At that time, Christianity was already the dominant religion, and although Emperor Theodosius I (379–395) was known to be quite loyal to the “pagans”, many of his subordinates were not. Therefore, under him, the destruction of “pagan” temples and statues continued. “Hermes” was apparently hidden by someone who respected the old religion or, at least, the old art.
Heraclea Sintica was founded by the Macedonian king Philip II (359–336 BC, father of Alexander the Great). For a long time it was the center of Sintica – Thracian region in northeastern Macedonia. In the 2nd century BC, along with the rest of Macedonia, the city became Roman. During the Roman era, it flourished until it was badly damaged by two earthquakes in 388 and 425 AD. By the end of the 5th century AD, it was completely abandoned and forgotten. The location of Heraclea Sintica was only discovered in 2002, when an inscription with the city’s name was discovered on its ruins.
Based on materials The Hystory Blog
Source: www.nkj.ru
