Archaeologists working in southern Turkey have unearthed a remarkable treasure – a 2,300-year-old statue depicting the three-headed goddess Hecate. This exciting discovery was made at the ancient city of Kelenderis, located on the Mediterranean coast in Mersin province.
The ongoing excavations and restoration efforts at Kelenderis, coordinated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Batman University, have been ongoing since 1987. This year’s dig season yielded significant finds, including Roman-era floor structures and a wealth of Hellenistic ceramics unearthed from the floor fillings.
The most captivating discovery, however, is undoubtedly the Hecate statue. As Associate Professor Mahmut Aydın, head of the excavation team, explains, “This unique figurine depicts three similar figures of the goddess joined together, facing different directions. This style was typically used for statues placed at crossroads, where they served multiple purposes.”
Hecate, a powerful goddess in ancient Greek religion, was associated with the underworld, magic, witchcraft, and the moon. She was often depicted with three heads, each facing a different direction, symbolizing her ability to oversee the realms of the living, the dead, and the divine. Statues of Hecate were also used to mark boundaries and protect sacred spaces.
“The discovery of the Hecate figurine holds special significance considering Kelenderis’ connection to the goddess,” Professor Aydın continues. “Historical records mention a Hecate temple in the nearby city of Lagina, and inscriptions indicate Kelenderis participated in competitions held there every five years in her honor.”
The unearthed statue, estimated to be around 20 centimeters tall, is believed to date back to the Hellenistic period (323-31 BC). Following a thorough examination, it will be placed on display at the Silifke Museum, allowing visitors to marvel at this exceptional artifact.
This exciting find sheds new light on the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient inhabitants of Kelenderis. The discovery of the Hecate statue serves as a valuable reminder of the rich cultural heritage buried beneath the soil, waiting to be unearthed and studied. The ongoing excavations at Kelenderis promise to reveal even more about this fascinating city and its connection to the captivating world of ancient Greek mythology.