The 2,000-year-old Hercules rock relief located in Deliktaş, approximately 2.5 kilometers northeast of Bursa’s Iznik district center, is being destroyed. The historical monument is in danger of extinction.

The Hercules relief found in the Deliktaş locality of Iznik is an important archaeological find from the Roman period. This relief depicts the legendary hero Heracles (Herakles in Roman mythology) in one of his iconic tasks, interpreted as his fight with the Nemean Lion, one of his twelve labors.

The rock-carved relief shows Hercules in a dynamic pose, emphasizing his strength and heroic qualities. This area, which has historical and cultural importance, sheds light on the ancient city of Iznik (Nicaea) and its connections with classical mythology.

The Hercules relief, thought to have been made by stonemasons working in the region during the Roman period, was permanently destroyed by an unidentified person or persons.

It was claimed that the staff in the right hand of the statue, which is believed to symbolize power, was lost. In previous years, the face of the same relief was targeted and its beard was cut off and destroyed. It is thought that the relief was damaged due to vandalism during the search for treasure. Citizens want the authorities to take security measures in the area to prevent further damage to the Hercules land.

According to the special news of İHA News Agency; The site of the old quarry where the Hercules relief was found turned into a swamp with the sediments of the sewage of the olive factory.

Heracles, known as Herakles in Greek mythology, is a legendary hero and demigod in ancient Greek religion and mythology. He is the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Alcmene, a mortal woman. Hercules is known for his incredible strength and his many adventures, including completing the Twelve Labors, tasks given to him as punishment for killing his wife and children in a fit of madness caused by Hera, wife of Zeus and stepmother of Hercules.