Versteinert durch Gorgos Blick

Abstract

The sanctuary of Gergas above the Marsyas River in Caria was dedicated to the Gorgo, who appeared in the sanctuary in the form of a gorgoneion on Athena’s breast. The decisive factor for such an interpretation is the etymology of ΓΕΡΓΑΣ, which may be recognized as a Doricizing form of Γοργω. It follows from this that the goddess’s formerly existent pectoral decoration was not a polymast breastplate, as has been assumed thus far, but a gorgoneion.

Everything that was turned to stone by Gorgo’s gaze is inscribed with ΓΕΡΓΑΣ: statues, stelae, cliffs, buildings. These naturally existing or artifi cially created monuments represent barbaric beings like Giants or Titans. A notable adversary of Athena is Pallas; with Statue B he is depicted in proximity to Athena. Pallas is a common name among Titans, Giants and Heroes, several of whom have something to do with Athena in some form or other. Depictions of the Gigantomachy or Titanomachy scattered throughout the landscape illustrate the repression of the Carian population in the Imperial era as a result of Panhellenic ambitions.