Medusa Gorgon Rosette protective ancient Greek coin earring Sterling Silver

Gorgon Medusa Rosette Sterling Silver earring inch 1.299x0.511- 33x13 mm

In Greek mythology Medusa is a guardian, protectress also called Gorgon and one of the most universally popular symbols was the gorgoneion, a symbolized head of a repulsive female figure with snakes for hair. Gorgoneion medallions and ornaments have been discovered from as far back as the 8th century BC and some archaeologists even assert that the design dates back to 15 century Minoan Crete. The earliest Greek gorgoneion's seem to have been apotropaic in nature grotesque faces meant to ward off evil and malign influence. Homer makes several references to the gorgon’s head. In Greco-Roman mythology the gorgon’s head could turn those looking at it into stone. The story of Perseus and Medusa explains the gorgon’s origins and relates the circumstances of her beheading. When Perseus had won the princess, he presented the head to his father and Athena as a gift, thus the gorgon’s head was a symbol of divine magical power. Both Zeus and Athena were frequently portrayed wearing the ghastly head on their breastplates. Although the motif began in Greece, it spread with Hellenic culture. Gorgon imagery was found on temples, clothing, statues, dishes, weapons, armor, and coins found across the Mediterranean region from Etruscan Italy all the way to the Black Sea coast. As Hellenic culture was subsumed by Rome, the image became even more popular–although the gorgon’s visage gradually changed into a more lovely shape as classical antiquity wore on.

The rosette - rose is a timeless symbol. The Greek word for rose – ρόδον. Its use began in the Mycenaean era and continues as far as the 2nd millennia BC. The Mycenaean Rosette is a motif that was widespread throughout Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and other ancient civilizations. It is inspired by a Mycenaean rosette bead, found at Mycenae, dated to 1400-1300 B.C. The rosette were used extensively in ancient Greek Mycenaean jewels, in architecture, pottery and in sculptures from 1500 BC. The rosettes were used to decorate the cloths, the belts and wreaths of the Kings. They were signs of beauty, purity, eugenics, worship and power. Rosette or Rodax was probably the most popular and favorite decorative element in Mycenaean era, classical antiquity and Byzantine times.

Filled with symbols and meanings, ancient Greek coins are some of the first coins ever minted, and feature legendary Gods, Heroes, classical art, and unique, subtle details that celebrate the civilization that still impacts us every day. Browse our collection of Ancient Greek coin jewelry and meet Alexander the Great, Athena and her Owl of Wisdom, Hercules and the Lion, the Boy on the Dolphin, Zeus, Helios and more. Ancient Art Greek jewelry direct from our workshop in Athens

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
Our products are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity stating that they are original
Gods & Heroes Athens products, handmade and ensuring the best quality.

We ship for FREE with the National Hellenic Post Office.