Gorgon head mosaic floor

National Archeological Museum, Athens, Greece

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Material Stone tiles (opus tessellatum)
Date range 2nd century AD
Origin Zea, Piraeus

This mosaic floor shows the head of a Gorgon in the very center. In ancient religion, this scary face with snakes for hair was used as a holy sign to turn away evil. People believed that placing her image on a floor or shield would protect the building and the people inside from bad spirits.

The spinning pattern of triangles around the head looks like a whirlpool or a decorated shield. This design was meant to catch the eye and remind everyone of the power of the gods to keep them safe. The ivy leaves in the corners and the twisted rope border add more beauty to this sacred and protective artwork.

Mosaic floor. Technique: opus tessellatum. Found in Zea, Piraeus. Represented in the central medallion is a Gorgon’s head with wings and snakes on her hair. The medallion is encircled by a radial ornament consisted of rows of triangles arranged in a whirl. The motif, reminiscent of a shield’s decoration, serves as evil averter. Ivy leaves decorate the corners of the mosaic and a guilloche pattern surrounds the whole composition. 2nd century AD.

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Mosaic floor from Piraeus with a Gorgon medallion and radial patterns.

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Source:  Athens, Greece