In Hallstatt, Upper Austria, archaeologists have discovered a rare Roman artifact that sheds new light on Rome’s presence in the Alps. A miniature stone depicting the head of the Gorgon Medusa was found at the excavation site—a cameo just 1.5 cm in size, dating back to the 2nd century CE, according to Meldung OÖ Landes-Kultur GmbH.
2,000-Year-Old Gemstone with the Face of Medusa Discovered in the Alps
© Naukatv.ru
Despite its tiny size, it is considered one of the most significant Roman finds in the region in decades.
“This cameo is among the most important individual finds from the Roman era in Upper Austria,” notes Stefan Traxler, the region’s chief archaeologist. The stone is made of black and white banded agate, or onyx, and was most likely made in Aquileia, a major Roman cultural and trading center on the northern Adriatic Sea. Archaeologists believe it once adorned the necklace of a wealthy Roman woman who lived nearly 1,900 years ago.
Cameos as a Symbol of Luxury and Power
Cameos were luxury items available only to the elite. The layered stones were cut to create contrasting relief images. These miniature masterpieces not only decorated clothing or jewelry but also had symbolic significance. The Hallstatt cameo depicts the Gorgoneion—the winged head of Medusa with serpentine hair, considered a powerful protective amulet capable of warding off evil.
“This small object carries enormous meaning. It enriches our understanding of the past and underscores the cultural depth of our region,” says Thomas Stelzer, Governor of Upper Austria. An Unexpected Find
The cameo was discovered during excavations related to the construction of a modern funicular railway. Archaeologists hired by Salzwelten GmbH expected to find only the remains of buildings, but instead stumbled upon a unique artifact.
“Without this construction work, this remarkable artifact would likely have remained hidden,” notes Torsten Pedith, the company’s CEO.
Hallstatt – the center of “white gold”
Hallstatt is known for its salt mines, which have been in operation for over 7,500 years. Salt, or “white gold,” made the region an important economic center even before the arrival of the Romans. By the mid-1st century CE, Rome had seized the salt deposits and founded a settlement around the future funicular station. Despite years of excavations, much about Roman Hallstatt remains unknown, including its ancient name. Funerary monuments, building remains, and luxury goods discovered allow us to reconstruct a society integrated into the imperial economy.
The “Medusa” cameo adds a personal element to this painting. It demonstrates that luxury goods from Mediterranean workshops reached even remote Alpine valleys, demonstrating not only Rome’s wealth but also its cultural influence on local communities.
The cameo will be on public display for the first time on December 8, 2025, at the Hallstatt Cultural and Congress Center and has already generated great interest among locals, tourists, and researchers.
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