A Fragmentary Statue from Caesarea Maritima

Abstract

Three possible identifications — Aphrodite, Hermes, Apollo — are considered for the fragmentary statue showing two feet poised on a tortoise, which was pulled out of sea northward of the theater of Caesarea Maritima. Written sources and archaeological finds indicate that images of Aphrodite, Hermes, and Apollo accompanied by a tortoise were known since the Archaic period, but only Aphrodite and Apollo were shown standing with two feet upon a tortoise.