Abstract :
It is known that herms have been directly interpreted as linked to the God Hermes, but which were in fact used to portray different Gods in addition to Hermes in antiquity. Consequently the idea that the Herms of Hermes were employed as a land or grave marker can not be generalised to all herms when the characteristics and the identities of the other gods that are also described as herms are taken into account. In consequence, this paper focuses on the meanings and the areas of employment of those herms representing Heracles. In this study the Herms of Heracles found in both social structures such as gymnasium, and on grave stelai or sarcophagus directly related to fields such as funerary art are assessed and consideration is taken of the various thoughts that have been put forward concerning the places of use of these examples, and the meanings given to the Herm of Heracles are re-examined. From the result of this reexamination it can be understood that Heracles, as the personalization of physical strength, endurance and heroism, was worshipped as a protective god, preventing evil, punishing breakers of promises and preventing trouble and disasters from happening to people.
