Basilica Cistern, Constantinople

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Illustration

Mark Cartwright
by Rob Hutton
published on 09 April 2013
Basilica Cistern, Constantinople Download Full Size Image

One of two monumental Medusa carvings which hold up columns in the Basilica Cistern of Istanbul (formerly Constantinople). The cistern was constructed in the 6th century BCE reusing the Medusa blocks from an earlier Roman building. One Medusa head is placed on its side whilst the other is upside down, perhaps in an attempt to negate the power of the Gorgon's gaze which could turn men to stone in Greek mythology.

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Cite This Work

APA Style

Hutton, R. (2013, April 09). Basilica Cistern, Constantinople. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/1141/basilica-cistern-constantinople/

Chicago Style

Hutton, Rob. "Basilica Cistern, Constantinople." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified April 09, 2013. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/1141/basilica-cistern-constantinople/.

MLA Style

Hutton, Rob. "Basilica Cistern, Constantinople." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 09 Apr 2013. Web. 27 Jul 2024.

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