Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Aspendos in southern Turkey have uncovered an 1,800-year-old marble statue group depicting Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine, alongside Telesphoros, a deity associated with recovery from illness.

The 2.2-metre-tall sculpture was discovered among the collapsed remains of the Monumental Gate on the western side of the East Square, along Theatre Street. Dating to the final quarter of the second century AD, the find is considered an important example of Roman-period sculpture at Aspendos.

Asklepios is depicted as a mature, bearded figure wearing a himation, with his now-missing right arm originally resting on a serpent-entwined staff, the traditional symbol of medicine and healing. At Asklepios’ feet is the diminutive figure of Telesphoros, who is characteristically represented in ancient art as a child; in the Aspendos group, the figure’s head is not preserved.

The pairing is particularly significant because Asklepios represented medicine and healing, while Telesphoros was associated with convalescence and the completion of the healing process. Their representation together provides evidence for the importance of healing cults in Roman Aspendos.

The sculpture’s discovery near the Monumental Gate suggests that it once occupied a prominent position in one of the city’s major public spaces. Researchers believe the find will contribute to a better understanding of religious practices, health and civic life in Aspendos during the Roman Imperial period.

Excavations at the ancient city in Antalya Province are being conducted as part of Turkey’s Heritage for the Future Project. Further conservation and study of the sculpture are expected to reveal more about the worship of healing deities in Roman-era Asia Minor.