What Cities Worshipped Hermes?

Hermes was a Greek god who was revered for his diverse attributes, including being the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and athletes. He was also known as the messenger of the gods and had a reputation for being cunning and quick-witted. Many cities across Greece worshipped Hermes, and in this article, we will explore some of these cities.

Athens

Athens was one of the ancient cities that worshipped Hermes. The Athenians believed that Hermes was responsible for protecting their flocks from harm and ensuring safe trade practices. They also believed that he oversaw the education of their children, especially in areas like music and gymnastics.

Mount Cyllene

Mount Cyllene is located in Arcadia in the Peloponnese region of Greece. It is believed to be the birthplace of Hermes, which is why it became a site for his worship. The people here built a temple dedicated to him to honor his divine presence.

Cyprus

Cyprus is an island country located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. In ancient times, it was known as a center for worshiping various gods, including Hermes. The city of Paphos had a temple dedicated to him where he was worshipped as one of their primary deities.

Olympia

Olympia was another ancient Greek city that worshipped Hermes. Here he was known as Argeiphontes or ‘the slayer of Argus.’ The city had an altar dedicated to him where they offered sacrifices during festivals like Olympian games.

Tanagra

Tanagra was an ancient city located in Boeotia in central Greece. It became famous for its production of terracotta figurines depicting various gods and goddesses but particularly those representing Hermes because he was one of their primary deities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hermes was a god who was highly revered in ancient Greece, and many cities worshipped him. From Athens to Mount Cyllene, Cyprus to Olympia, and Tanagra, he was celebrated for his diverse attributes and qualities that were believed to bring blessings and protection to the people who worshipped him. Today, his legacy lives on through art, literature, and other forms of popular culture that continue to pay homage to this fascinating figure from Greek mythology.