Archaeologists unexpectedly discovered two mosaics depicting the Greek legendary figure Medusa, whose hair was composed of snakes and whose gaze was thought to have the power to turn people into stone, while excavating a mansion used by ancient Roman emperors in Italy.

The villa of the Antonines, so named because it was inhabited by members of the Antonine dynasty, which governed the Roman Empire from A.D. 138 to 193, is where the researchers discovered the mosaics. According to the researchers' presentation at the Archaeological Institute of America's annual meeting, which was held in New Orleans in January, the mosaics most likely date to the second century A.D.

In both mosaics, Medusa is seen gazing off into the horizon, maybe leaving onlookers to ponder what was going through Medusa’s mind.

The Medusa mosaics were discovered by the researchers in two recesses carved into a circular room at the villa, one in the room's northwest and the other in its southeast corner. Two further niches in the space contained no mosaic remnants.

Roman concrete walls can be seen above ground in an image of the location taken in the early 20th century, but Renner said they have since been damaged or are no longer there.

The circular room containing the mosaics was only partially discovered in 2014; since then, excavation and investigation have continued. The team aspires to contribute to the establishment of an archaeological park someday near the mansion.

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