What City Worshipped Hermes?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and sports, was worshipped in several cities across ancient Greece. However, there was one city that revered him above all others – the city of Cyllene.

Cyllene was a small city located in the northern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. It was situated on Mount Cyllene, which was believed to be the birthplace of Hermes. The city’s inhabitants believed that Hermes had a special connection to their land and had chosen it as his sacred abode.

The people of Cyllene celebrated Hermes in many ways. They held annual festivals in his honor where they offered sacrifices and prayed for his blessings. The festivals were accompanied by theatrical performances and athletic competitions, which were believed to be some of Hermes’ favorite activities.

Apart from the festivals, the people of Cyllene also built several shrines and temples dedicated to Hermes. The most significant among them was the Temple of Hermes Criophorus (the Ram-Bearer), which housed a statue of the god holding a ram on his shoulders. The statue was crafted by the renowned sculptor Praxiteles and was considered one of the finest sculptures in ancient Greece.

Hermes’ association with Cyllene extended beyond just worship. The city’s location on Mount Cyllene made it an important passageway between different parts of Greece. As such, it became a hub for commerce and trade – activities that were closely associated with Hermes.

The people of Cyllene also believed that Hermes protected them from harm while they traveled through dangerous terrains or embarked on long journeys. They saw him as their patron deity who ensured their safe passage and guided them towards prosperity.

In conclusion, while there were many cities across ancient Greece that worshipped Hermes, none revered him as much as the people of Cyllene did. Their devotion to him extended beyond just religious rituals – it was ingrained in their way of life and their belief system. Hermes’ association with the city was so strong that it became an integral part of Cyllene’s identity.