A cameo with a 1,9 thousand-year-old Gorgon Jellyfish was presented in Austria.

During excavations in Hallstatt, Austria, in the summer of this year, archaeologists discovered a small stone, which is an artfully carved cameo depicting the head of a Jellyfish. This discovery casts new light on Rome's presence in the Alps. This was reported on December 5 by Arkeonews magazine.

The cameo dates back to the 2nd century AD. Chief archaeologist Stefan Traxler called the product one of the "most important finds of the Roman era in the region." The cameo is carved from agate in black and white stripes and was most likely made in Aquileia, a Roman cultural and commercial center in the north of the Adriatic Sea. Archaeologists suggest that she once decorated the necklace of a wealthy Roman woman.

The image on the cameo is a Gorgoneon, the head of a Jellyfish with wings and snakes instead of hair. In the Greek and Roman traditions, this motif was a symbol of protection from evil and was often found on jewelry, weapons, buildings, and sacred objects.

The cameo attracted the attention of local residents, scientists and visitors after it was unveiled on December 8 at the Hallstatt Center for Culture and Congresses. It is specified that starting in 2026, the value will be presented in a new permanent exhibition hall. Allegedly, the discovery of this find allows us to look into the rich history of the region and understand how the ancient Romans are connected with this culture.

Despite its tiny size, the Medusa cameo carries immense historical value that sheds light on Roman craftsmanship, long-distance trade, local prosperity, and the deep historical layers hidden beneath the surface of Hallstatt. This discovery reminds us that even the smallest artifacts can tell important stories that have preserved centuries-old memories.

Earlier, on December 4, Arkeonews reported the discovery in Croatia of 56 silver French coins from the 11th to 13th centuries, an era that overlaps with the First Crusade. It was clarified that the discovery was a complete surprise. Curator and archaeologist Domogoj Duimic said that even in France, these coins are rare.

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