A Hygieia Statue from Anemurium

Abstract

This article examines the identification, iconography, typology, and stylistic dating of a female statue discovered in the Harbor Baths of Anemurium. This is one of the largest and most significant Roman-period cities of Rough Cilicia. Notably, the statue’s preserved attribute and its distinctive positioning, along with its posture and clothing features, allow not only its evaluation within the typology of goddess statues, but also its connection it to the original prototype. The stylistic dating places the statue in the 2nd century AD. One key question that arises is where this remarkable statue, rare in Cilicia, might have originally been displayed in situ and whether she represents an empress, a notable local woman, or a goddess. Anemurium is adorned with monumental structures including five baths, a palaestra, an odeon, a theater, and an exedra / nymphaeum, many of which could have housed statues. This female statue appears to have been moved from one of these structures to the Harbor Baths and likely intended for processing in the lime kiln constructed in the bathhouse. The significance of this article lies in its focus on the first large-scale, marble statue discovered in a city predominantly constructed of slate stones and plaster. Moreover, the statue’s typological resemblance to the original and its stylistically high-quality craftsmanship provide evidence of Anemurium’s openness to external relations and influences. In this context, the marble and sculptors were brought from prominent centers of the period to Anemurium for possible collaboration with local sculptors. This statue heralds the potential discovery of additional sculptures in future excavations and strengthens the possibility that many of Anemurium’s architectural structures were adorned with statues.