Medusa Mosaic in Kibyra, Türkiye Reopens to Visitors After Winter Closure

The Medusa mosaic and the Odeon stoa floor mosaic in the ancient city of Kibyra, located in the southern province of Burdur, Türkiye, have reopened to visitors after being closed during the winter months for protection. The 2,000-year-old Medusa mosaic, depicting a "snake-haired, sharp-toothed female monster", is the most important attraction in the region and was unearthed during the 2009 excavations in the Odeon section of the ancient city.

Kibyra, also known as the 'City of Gladiators', has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2016 and is known for its gigantic, monumental structures, including a stadium with a capacity of 10,000 people, a huge theater for 9,000 people, and other architectural features like the late Roman bath, agoras, main street, and underground chamber tombs. The 2,300-year-old city was an important center during the Lycian and Roman periods and served as a center of justice due to its strategic location.

The Medusa mosaic, built using the 'Opus Sectile' technique, is unique in the world and will be open to visitors until the end of November. It is closed every year in early November to protect it from winter conditions, as it is made of thin marble slabs that are at risk of dislocation in cold and frost. The mosaic is reopened in mid-April and remains open throughout the summer.

Why this matters: The reopening of the Medusa mosaic and other ancient structures in Kibyra showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of Türkiye. The preservation and accessibility of these archaeological sites not only attract visitors but also contribute to our understanding of ancient civilizations and their artistic achievements.

Excavations in the ancient city of Kibyra, which started in 2006 and have been led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şükrü Özüdoğru since 2010, have revealed various Roman-era ruins, including the theater, agora, temples, baths, and cisterns. The Medusa mosaic, one of the most well-known finds from the excavations, will be accessible to visitors until the end of the summer season, offering a glimpse into the mythological world of ancient Greece and the intricate details of the city's rich history.

Key Takeaways

• 2,000-year-old Medusa mosaic reopened in ancient city of Kibyra, Türkiye.
• Kibyra, a 'City of Gladiators', on UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
• Medusa mosaic made using 'Opus Sectile' technique, unique in the world.
• Excavations in Kibyra reveal Roman-era ruins, including theater, agora, temples.
• Medusa mosaic offers glimpse into ancient Greek mythology and city's history.