Editing Basilica Cistern (section)

==Medusa column bases==
[[Image:MedusaHeadIstanbul.jpg|thumb|The second Medusa head pillar]]

The bases of two columns In the northwest corner of the cistern reuse blocks carved with the face of [[Medusa (mythology)|Medusa]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-23 |title=Exploring the Interior of the Basilica Cistern - 2024 |url=https://istanbul-tours-activities.com/basilica-cistern/inside/ |access-date=2024-05-25 |language=}}</ref> The origin of the two heads is unknown, though it is thought that they were brought to the cistern after being removed from a building of the late Roman period. There is no evidence to suggest that they were previously used as column bases. Tradition has it that the blocks are oriented sideways and inverted in order to negate the power of the [[Gorgon]]s' gaze.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Basilica Cistern Tickets |url=https://www.basilica-cistern.com/ |access-date=2023-09-22 |website= |language=en}}</ref>