---
title: Basilica Cistern, Constantinople
author: Rob Hutton
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/1141/basilica-cistern-constantinople/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 1970-01-01
---
# Basilica Cistern, Constantinople
_Authored by Rob Hutton_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/1141.jpg)
## Image Caption
One of two monumental [Medusa](https://www.worldhistory.org/Medusa/) carvings which hold up columns in the Basilica Cistern of Istanbul (formerly [Constantinople](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantinople/)). The cistern was constructed in the 6th century BCE reusing the Medusa blocks from an earlier [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/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](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Mythology/).
## Cite This Work
### APA
Hutton, R. (2013, April 09). Basilica Cistern, Constantinople. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Hutton, Rob. "Basilica Cistern, Constantinople." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 09, 2013. .
### MLA
Hutton, Rob. "Basilica Cistern, Constantinople." *World History Encyclopedia*, 09 Apr 2013, .
## License & Copyright
[](http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwh86/8347450308/)This image was first published on [Flickr](http://www.flickr.com). [Original image](http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwh86/8347450308/) by [**Rob Hutton**](http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwh86/8347450308/). Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 09 April 2013. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.