Ancient Medusa Mask Molds Discovered in Roman Sicily!

A fascinating archaeological discovery in the ancient city of Licata, located in the region of Finziade, has shed new light on Roman Sicily’s cultural and economic life. Excavations have uncovered a mold used to create masks of Medusa, the famous Greek mythological figure, offering valuable insights into the area’s artistic production and local industry during the late Republican period.

The mold was found in “House 18”, which originally served as a residential building but was later repurposed as a workshop in the early 1st century BCE. This change reflects the social and economic shifts taking place in the region during this time. The discovery of the Medusa mask mold strongly suggests that the building was involved in the production of theatrical or ritualistic masks.

Medusa, one of the three Gorgons in Greek mythology, is best known for her ability to turn anyone who gazed upon her into stone, while her hair was made of writhing snakes. Her image was multifaceted, symbolising both danger and protection. Medusa’s face was commonly depicted in various forms of art and architecture, as it was believed to ward off evil. The molds found in Licata could have been used for a variety of purposes – from theatrical performances to ritual ceremonies, or even as decorative elements in homes.

Photo Credit: Finziade Project - Monte Sant'Angelo di Licata

These discoveries point to a thriving local industry, supporting the view that craftsmanship played a significant role in the economy of Finziade. Furthermore, the artifacts align with similar finds in other parts of the city, underlining the importance of such production in the area’s cultural and economic landscape.

Finziade, founded in 282 BCE by Phintias, the tyrant of Agrigento, was the last Greek colony to be established on the island of Sicily. Located on a hill with views over the Mediterranean, the city became a crucial hub for trade and cultural exchange. After being conquered by Rome during the First Punic War, Finziade evolved into an important part of the Roman economic network.

This discovery is part of the ongoing Finziade Project, a multidisciplinary research initiative led by archaeologists Alessio Toscano Raffa from CNR-ISPC in Catania and Maria Concetta Parello. The project is supported by Rosario Callea of the Archaeological Park of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and managed by Roberto Sciarratta, with the collaboration of the National Research Council’s Institute of Cultural Heritage Sciences.

The Medusa mask molds provide a glimpse into the diverse cultural influences that shaped Roman Sicily. With a blend of Greek, Roman, and local traditions, these finds reveal how art, commerce, and belief systems intertwined in the ancient Mediterranean world.