During excavations in the ancient city of Laodikeia, located in Pamukkale, Denizli, southwestern Türkiye, archaeologists unearthed a 2100 year-old statue head of Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health.

Laodikeia, situated on the southern side of the Lycus River, 6 kilometers north of Denizli, was a prominent and influential city in the 1st Century BC. The city’s historical significance dates back to its founding by Antiochus II between 263-261 BC, named after his wife, Laodice. Ancient sources referred to it as “Laodikeia on the edge of the Lycus.” The Romans later established it as the center of Kybira’s conventus due to its strategic location.

The city boasted impressive structures, including Anatolia’s largest stadium, two theaters, four baths, five agoras, five fountains (nymphaeums), long colonnaded streets, grand temples, and numerous churches and basilicas.

Despite its grandeur, Laodikeia was frequently struck by earthquakes, with a devastating quake in 494 AD, significantly damaging the city. Another major earthquake between 602-610 AD, coupled with increasing Arab raids, led to its eventual abandonment.

The ongoing excavations, led by Prof. Dr. Celal Şimşek from Pamukkale University’s Archaeology Department, revealed the statue head. Şimşek announced the discovery on his social media X account, stating, “The meeting of the Sun and Hygieia with us in Laodikeia after 2,100 years.”

Hygieia, the goddess of health, inspired the philosophy of hygiene. She was the daughter and chief attendant of Asklepios, the god of medicine, overseeing cleanliness and preventive medicine. Classical sculptures often depicted her holding or feeding a large snake, a symbol of Asklepion medicine. Her statues were prominent in major healing centers, including Epidaurus, Corinth, Cos, and Pergamon.

The Department of Excavations and Research shared photographs of the remarkable statue head discovery.

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