A Roman Gorgoneion from Belleben-Haus Zeitz (Salzlandkreis)

Abstract

Since the 19th century the Archäologisches Museum in the »Robertinum« in Halle (Saale) contains a bronze disc with the representation of a Gorgo Medusa face. The disc is said to have been discovered in an urn together with a simple bronze ring which was found at Belleben-Haus Zeitz. Iconography (apotropaion, late device of image in a Germanic context), technique (casting) and original use (fitting) are analysed as a supplement to the Corpus of Roman finds in the European Barbaricum. Stylistic comparisons of the facial features resulted in several surprising parallels which support a dating to the 3rd century. Similar fittings are known from both military contexts and civilian settlements.