A nearly 2,000-year-old mosaic depicting the mythical Medusa has been reopened to the public in the ancient city of Kibyra, located in the Gölhisar district of Burdur Province in southwestern Turkey.
The intricate floor mosaic, which had been covered during the winter months for protection against harsh weather, is once again on display for the 2025 summer season.
A Rare Technique and Remarkable Setting
What sets this mosaic apart is its construction using the rare opus sectile technique—an ancient art form that involves assembling precisely cut pieces of colored marble to create elaborate images and patterns. This highly specialized method makes the mosaic one of the few surviving examples of its kind in the world.
The mosaic decorates the floor of the ancient odeon, a multifunctional venue used for concerts, public gatherings, theatrical performances, and judicial proceedings. The odeon was the architectural centerpiece of ancient Kibyra—known in antiquity as the “City of Gladiators”—located about 108 kilometers from the center of modern-day Burdur.
Protected Through the Winter
To safeguard the artwork from winter moisture and frost, conservation experts carefully covered the mosaic throughout the colder months. With the arrival of spring, the protective coverings have been removed, and the monument is now accessible to visitors through the end of November 2025.
Professor Şükrü Özüdoğru, head of the excavations at Kibyra and a faculty member at Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, announced the mosaic’s reopening via his social media channels.
The Myth of Medusa
In Greek mythology, Medusa (also known as Gorgo) was one of the three Gorgons—and the only mortal among them. Her most infamous trait was her deadly gaze, capable of turning anyone who looked at her with ill intent into stone. This very image is captured in stunning detail in the mosaic.
The placement of Medusa in a public space likely served an apotropaic purpose—meant to ward off the "evil eye" and protect the building and its occupants from harm.
A Masterpiece of Art and Preservation
According to experts, what makes this mosaic truly exceptional is not just its artistic design and rare construction method, but its remarkable state of preservation through the centuries. It stands as a vivid and powerful link between ancient craftsmanship and modern-day appreciation.
