Medusa Head Sculptures Basilica Cistern Istanbul Ceramic Tile

This is one of two Medusa Head sculptures that are used as pillar supports for the the Basilica Cistern buried in the underground of Istanbul, Turkey. This Cistern is a vast underground water storage cavern supported by 300 massive columns, including this one mysteriously supported by a Medusa head. This sculpture's origins are unknown though it is believed to have been taken from a Roman temple for use in constructing this massive water storage cistern built about 1500 years ago during the reign of Justinian. This Medusa head is massive, about the height of an adult and quite wide with all sides exquisitely sculpted to show the Medusa with a head of snakes and reputed to turn anyone she looks at to stone.