AQUILEIA

PATRIMONIO DELL'UMANITÀ

domenica 22 dicembre 2024

Cycle of Jupiter Ammon and Medusa

Ciclo di Giove Ammone e Medusa presso il Foro, Area archeologica di Aquileia | Foto: © Gianluca Baronchelli
Two faces carved in stone stood on the portico of the Forum of Aquileia. Archaeologists have recognized the effigies of Jupiter Ammon and Medusa, symbols of the greatness of the Empire. The message is clearly legible: from West (Medusa) to East (Jupiter Ammon, revered by Alexander the Great), almost all the known world was included in the domains of Rome.

Above the architrave of the portico, on the same balustrade, rest a series of slabs worked in relief with figures of cherubs and eagles holding garlands.