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Archeologists Uncover A Stunning Mosaic Of Medusa In Spain

(4 min read) Spanish archeologists were working studiously in La Huerta de Otero archeological zone in Merida for quite some time when they uncovered one of the most stunning mosaic revelations in recent history – a gloriously well-preserved artwork of ancient Greek mythological creature Medusa.

Ancient_Roman_Mosaic - Roman_Mosaic_Artwork - Roman_Mosaic_Design
Stunning and amazingly well-preserved Medusa mosaic. Image source: Link  


The area on which the wonderful mosaic artwork was found is a part of the Roman city of Augusta Emerita. This ancient city was founded back in 25 BC by Augustus. Its main purpose was to help resettle Emeriti soldiers from the legions of the Cantabrian Wars. Although its purpose may seem solely practical from today’s point of view, the city ended up becoming one of the largest Roman cities in Hispania. It covered an area of 20,000 square kilometers and it was the capital of the province of Lusitania. 

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Continuous archeological work in the Roman City of Augusta Emerita has been rewarding so far. Image source: Link  


Recent excavations in the area brought to light a gorgeous Roman domus, as well as a canvas of the city wall. However, the excavation of a large mosaic on the floor of the main room inside the domus outshined all other recent founds. Detailed and almost impeccably preserved, this intricate mosaic artwork depicts one of the three Gorgons in all of its feminine and monstrous glory. 

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Careful excavations of animal elements surrounding the Medusa mosaic. Image source: Link  


According to the archeologists, this particular depiction of Medusa was created to protect the inhabitants of the Domus. These protective mosaic artworks of Medusa were quite common at the time and many artifacts and mosaics that were uncovered in recent history had the same protective purpose in both Greek and Roman worlds.

Ancient_Roman_Mosaic - Roman_Mosaic_Artwork - Roman_Mosaic_Design
Medusa in the center of the mosaic medallion. Image source: Link  


Ancient_Roman_Mosaic - Roman_Mosaic_Artwork - Roman_Mosaic_Design
Medusa mosaic was believed to have a protective effect on the inhabitants of the Roman Domus. Image source: Link  


The image of Medusa is in the center of an octagonal mosaic medallion, surrounded by four peacocks that mark the four seasons. The amazing mosaic artwork also contains complex geometrical patterns and realistic images of animal and floral motifs, such as birds, fish, and various plants.

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Colorful and charming peacock marking one of the seasons in the corner of the mosaic medallion. Image source: Link  


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The intricate fish motif gracing the mosaic artwork. Image source: Link  


This amazing archeological site has been abandoned for decades. The ongoing project started back in 2019 and huge progress has already been made in terms of both excavation and documentation of the exhumed remains. We are eager to see what more will be found in the Roman City of Augusta Emerita. 

Ancient_Roman_Mosaic - Roman_Mosaic_Artwork - Roman_Mosaic_Design

Archeologists Uncover A Stunning Mosaic Of Medusa In Spain.

Ancient_Roman_Mosaic - Roman_Mosaic_Artwork - Roman_Mosaic_Design
Archeologists Uncover A Stunning Mosaic Of Medusa In Spain.

Ancient_Roman_Mosaic - Roman_Mosaic_Artwork - Roman_Mosaic_Design
Archeologists Uncover A Stunning Mosaic Of Medusa In Spain.

Ancient_Roman_Mosaic - Roman_Mosaic_Artwork - Roman_Mosaic_Design
Archeologists Uncover A Stunning Mosaic Of Medusa In Spain.

Ancient_Roman_Mosaic - Roman_Mosaic_Artwork - Roman_Mosaic_Design
Archeologists Uncover A Stunning Mosaic Of Medusa In Spain.

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M. Belosh

M. Belosh

Passionate art enthusiast; avid reader (you can find me on Goodreads under the same name); movie connoisseur; intolerable before my morning coffee.

33 Comments

  1. Peter Reez
    August 10, 2023 at 4:47 am — Reply

    Oh wow! This is amazing! It must have been so cool for the archeologists who uncovered it!

  2. Sonia Brit
    August 10, 2023 at 6:24 am — Reply

    What an amazing find, and what great condition considering its age and conditions it has gone through

  3. Lisa
    August 10, 2023 at 7:47 am — Reply

    I’ve seen similar mosaics in a city here called Ravenna. They’re not Roman but they’re very old!

  4. Marie Cris Angeles
    August 10, 2023 at 9:22 am — Reply

    Wow! Just wow! I would love to witness something like this. Thanks for always sharing these articles with us.

  5. Luna S
    August 10, 2023 at 10:01 am — Reply

    This is stunning! I can only imagine what it looked like when it was first built. What an amazing find, I didn’t know they found this so I love that you shared it here.

  6. Suzan Kh
    August 10, 2023 at 10:55 am — Reply

    Unearthing such a remarkable mosaic is like unlocking a vibrant piece of history! 🏛️ Augusta Emerita’s origin story is truly fascinating, evolving from a practical settlement for soldiers to a sprawling Roman city of great significance. The mosaic’s discovery provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing us to imagine life in this bustling hub of ancient civilization. It’s incredible how these remnants continue to illuminate the grandeur of history.

  7. Tammy
    August 10, 2023 at 12:28 pm — Reply

    How unbelievably stunning! I am more amazed at how well it’s been preserved too. Imagine all the wonders left behind that have still not yet been discovered!

  8. Sonia Seivwright
    August 10, 2023 at 12:53 pm — Reply

    Wow, what a fascinating discovery! The well-preserved Medusa mosaic found by Spanish archaeologists in the Merida La Huerta de Otero archaeological zone is truly a sight to behold. Incredibly, this artwork has survived for many centuries. The history behind the Roman city of Augusta Emerita is equally intriguing. It’s incredible to imagine how such a practical settlement for soldiers became one of the largest Roman cities in Hispania. Thank you for sharing this incredible piece of history with us.

  9. John
    August 10, 2023 at 5:58 pm — Reply

    This discovery is truly stunning. I read about it some time ago and was really amazed at what we still dig out of the ground!

  10. Rosey
    August 11, 2023 at 5:17 am — Reply

    Can you even imagine coming across something so beautiful. I’m sure hearts were pounding.

  11. Rhian Scammell
    August 11, 2023 at 6:38 am — Reply

    What an amazing mosaic to uncover, this looks stunning. I am a huge fan of greek mythology and read a retelling of Medusa’s story recently and it was fascinating x

  12. beth
    August 11, 2023 at 7:32 am — Reply

    This is indeed stunning and an extraordinary roman mosaic. Ive never seen anything like it!

  13. Nadalie
    August 11, 2023 at 10:05 am — Reply

    Wow! That’s really interesting! I wonder what else they found…

  14. Grace Fab
    August 11, 2023 at 10:56 am — Reply

    The Medusa and surrounding mosaics sound like an amazing find. It’s great that the mosaic is quite varied and sounds like it is very colourful adding to its appeal.

  15. Mark Bruce
    August 11, 2023 at 11:25 am — Reply

    What an incredible archaeological find! 🏛️✨ The discovery of the well-preserved mosaic featuring the mythical Medusa is truly awe-inspiring. It’s fascinating how history continues to unveil its secrets, providing us with a glimpse into the past through such intricate and captivating works of art. Kudos to the dedicated Spanish archaeologists for this remarkable revelation!

  16. Priya
    August 11, 2023 at 5:01 pm — Reply

    Wow, what an exciting find! The article about the Medusa mosaic discovery in Spain was captivating. The description of the intricate artwork and its historical significance was well-presented. Looking forward to more intriguing archaeological updates from you!

  17. Brenda
    August 11, 2023 at 7:42 pm — Reply

    This is a gorgeous finding. And very precious, too. I wonder how many other valuable creations and artifacts are hiding on this earth.

  18. Lisa
    August 12, 2023 at 5:01 am — Reply

    This is a very cool discovery. We hear stories like this in Italy often. It’s a great look into the past.

  19. Alita
    August 12, 2023 at 8:04 am — Reply

    This is such a great discovery. I love the stunnig mosaics!

  20. Sue
    August 12, 2023 at 9:33 am — Reply

    What an incredible discovery by the Spanish archaeologists at La Huerta de Otero! The unveiling of a beautifully preserved mosaic depicting the mythical Medusa is a true testament to the richness of history and artistry. This find offers us a captivating window into the ancient world’s fascination with mythology. Kudos to the dedicated researchers for bringing such a remarkable piece of history back to light!

  21. Kira Kira
    August 13, 2023 at 6:37 am — Reply

    Oh wow this is really fascinating and so pretty

  22. Star Traci
    August 13, 2023 at 7:31 am — Reply

    What a stunning and exciting discovery! I have the secret dream of becoming an archaeologist and finding such beautiful things. It truly is amazing to behold.

  23. Claudia Krusch
    August 13, 2023 at 8:51 pm — Reply

    That is so interesting! I love history and all the intriguing facts behind it!

  24. Richard Lowe
    August 14, 2023 at 8:07 am — Reply

    When I was a kid, I wanted to be an archeologist. I poured over books and subscribed to magazines. Never followed through though.

  25. David R.
    August 14, 2023 at 3:41 pm — Reply

    Loved reading about the incredible Medusa mosaic discovery in Spain! Your description of the find is captivating, and the historical significance is fascinating. Thanks for sharing this exciting piece of archaeology. Looking forward to more discoveries! 🏛️🔍🧩

  26. Jenny
    August 15, 2023 at 3:36 pm — Reply

    This is such a stunning mosaic found in La Huerta de Otero archeological zone in Merida.

  27. Sam
    August 15, 2023 at 11:08 pm — Reply

    WOW!! This is fricken AMAZING!! I remember being a kid and wanting to be an archeologist when I grew up. I still think this would be one of the coolest jobs!

  28. Jupiter Hadley
    August 16, 2023 at 3:09 am — Reply

    Wow it is so amazing that the mosaic was able to last so long burried in the ground! They really do last the sands of time.

  29. Alice
    August 16, 2023 at 10:15 am — Reply

    What an incredible find! 🕵️‍♂️🏛️ The Medusa mosaic looks absolutely breathtaking and the fact that it’s so well-preserved is truly amazing. The historical insights this discovery provides are priceless. Learning about the Roman city of Augusta Emerita and its journey from practical beginnings to becoming a significant hub is truly fascinating. Thanks for sharing this captivating glimpse into the past!

  30. Stephanie
    August 16, 2023 at 11:58 am — Reply

    Those are really lovely mosaics! I wonder what story those mosaics hold!

  31. Melissa Cushing
    August 17, 2023 at 10:03 am — Reply

    This is so very cool and I absolutely love greek mythology! I had no idea this discovery was made and I appreciate you sharing! I love mosaic art!

  32. Sierra
    August 17, 2023 at 11:51 am — Reply

    Wowo…. absolutely a great amazing find!! Thanks for sharing this, I’ve an interesting read on this archeological findings done. Cheers SiennyLovesDrawing

  33. Jenny
    August 17, 2023 at 5:03 pm — Reply

    It is amazing that these kind of things are still discovered, I love the sound of the Roman city of Augusta Emerita.

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