1,800-Year-Old Military Medal with Medusa Head Unearthed In Ancient City of Perge (Perrhe), Southeastern Turkey

AncientPages.com | October 11, 2022 | Archaeology, News

Conny Waters - AncientPages.com - Archaeologists announce an interesting discovery of a 1,800-year-old bronze medal bearing a Medusa head. In Greek mythology, a monster was also called Gorgo, and eye c0ntact with it would turn one immediately to stone.

Medusa medal from Perrhe

Ancient medal depicting Medusa, a monster in the form of a woman with snakes for hair, the very sight of her eye, which would turn a person to stone. Image credit: Anadoly Agency 

The medal has been unearthed in the city of Perge (Perrhe), once a major city of the ancient Greco-Iranian kingdom of Commagene, located in southeastern Anatolia.

According to Mehmet Alkan, director of the Adiyaman Museum, the medal was probably given to a brave soldier.

"The medal with a Medusa head appears as an award given to a soldier for his success,” Alkan explained.

“It is a medal that a soldier wears on or on his shield during a military ceremony. We found an 1,800-year-old military diploma here during the excavations last year, and we also associate the medal with military service.”

Ruins of Perge city. AA photos

Ruins of Perge city. Image credit: AA 

Alkan also added that the archaeologists continue the excavations in the area of Perrhe, and their work particularly focuse on mosaics in the section called the “infinity ladder.”

Mosaics unearthed in the ancient city of Perrhe (Perge) in the southern province of Antalya are known as “Turkey’s second Zeugma” for their very attractive appearance.

1,800-Year-Old Military Medal with Medusa Head Unearthed In Ancient City of Perre

Image credit: AA

Perge (Perre) is one of the five big cities of the ancient Greco-Iranian kingdom of Commagene.  The city is mentioned in several Roman resources for its beautiful water and served as a resting place for travelers, caravans and armies  passing through the region. This fascinating place - once a resting place for travelers, caravans and armies - is home to approximately 200 stone tombs as well as a still-functional fountain.

Archaeological excavations have continued for the last three years in the area and revealed 13 unique sculptures; among them  the Roman emperor Caracalla, and a number of Greek gods and goddesses.

The archaeological site of Perge is full of ancient ruins after a city that was also important for Christians  who had worshipped the mother goddess Artemis. St. Paul and Barnabas visited the city and wealthy and influential benefactors like Magna Plancia had a number of important memorials built here.

Written by Conny Waters - AncientPages.com Staff Writer

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