Two mosaics of the 2nd century with the image of Medusa were discovered in Italy (photo)

In Italy, during the excavation of a villa used by ancient Roman emperors, archaeologists discovered two mosaics. They depict Medusa from Greek myth, whose hair was made of snakes and whose gaze could turn people to stone.

The find dates back to the second century AD. This is reported by Live Science.

The team is said to have found the mosaics in a round room in the Antonine Villa, so-called because it was used by members of the Antonine dynasty, which ruled the Roman Empire from 138 to 193 AD. In both mosaics, Medusa looks into the distance.

Read also: Astronomers found the oldest giant world with two suns just 70 light years from Earth

The team found the Medusa mosaic in two niches carved into a round room in the villa – one in the northwest part of the room and the other in the southeast part. There were two more niches in the room, but no mosaic remains were found in them.

It is still a mystery what this room was used for and why it contained the Medusa mosaics. According to researchers, in the second century, Medusa heads were popular decorative elements in the Roman world.

The Israel Antiquities Authority recently announced that the world's oldest metal fishing hook had been found in Ashkelon. It was used to catch sharks.

If you want to receive the latest news about the war and events in Ukraine, subscribe to our Telegram channel!