ISTANBUL, Turkey / Türkiye — At the base of two of the 336 columns in the cistern are two heads of Medusa. One is upside down and the other is sideways. Why they were placed that way is unknown. The cistern, located 500 feet of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey, houses two enigmatic Medusa head sculptures that have intrigued visitors and scholars for centuries. These ancient stone carvings, located at the base of two of the cistern's 336 columns, are positioned in unusual ways – one upside down and the other sideways. The purpose behind their unique placement remains a mystery, sparking numerous theories and debates among historians and archaeologists. Constructed in the 6th century CE during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the Basilica Cistern is a marvel of ancient engineering. Known in Turkish as Yerebatan Sarnici (Sunken Cistern) or Yerebatan Sarayi (Sunken Palace), it is situated just 500 feet from the iconic Hagia Sophia on the historical Sarayburnu peninsula. This underground water reservoir played a crucial role in Constantinople's water supply system, demonstrating the advanced civil engineering capabilities of the Byzantine Empire. The cistern's impressive dimensions, measuring approximately 140 meters in length and 70 meters in width, are supported by a forest of marble columns. Among these, the two columns featuring the Medusa heads stand out for their unique mythological significance. Medusa, a Gorgon from Greek mythology known for her ability to turn onlookers to stone, is depicted with her characteristic snake-hair. Theories about the unusual positioning of the Medusa heads range from practical considerations, such as the reuse of existing architectural elements, to more symbolic interpretations. Some suggest the heads were placed in these orientations to negate Medusa's petrifying gaze, while others propose they were simply convenient supports for the columns. Today, the Basilica Cistern and its mysterious Medusa heads serve as a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Istanbul's rich historical layers and the enduring influence of classical mythology on ancient art and architecture. The cistern's location
Size: 2849px × 4290px
Location: Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, Istanbul Province, Turkey
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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