Archaeologists excavating a Roman forum near the ancient city of Amastris (modern-day Amasra) in Turkey have uncovered a marble Medusa carving with an unusual smiling expression. The relief was found atop decorative columns that once formed a covered walkway (stoa) in the forum. Excavations began three years ago after historical remains were discovered during school construction in 2017. The project, overseen by Bartin University’s Archaeology Application and Research Center and supported by the Turkish Ministry of Culture’s “Heritage of the Future” initiative, has so far reconstructed three columns across the 30,000-square-foot site.
The discovery matters because it challenges the traditional iconography of Medusa, who is typically depicted with a terrifying face and snake hair meant to petrify enemies. According to professor Fatma Bagdatli Cam of Bartin University, the smiling, childlike Medusa likely reflects the peace and prosperity of the ancient Roman city. This find offers new insight into how classical mythological figures could be adapted to convey local cultural values, and it underscores the ongoing archaeological significance of Turkey’s Black Sea coast.