Three Irresistible Sisters In Ancient Sicily

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Years ago, when I first saw a photo of this terracotta Gorgon, I thought it was Mayan! But no, it’s ancient Greek-Sicilian, from the 6th century BC, and it was found in Siracusa. Archaeologists know it was part of a relief–not much more is known about it; however, it gives me a chance to tell you about the Gorgons, which important to note, are not gargoyles. Gorgons in Greek mythology were 3 winged, monstrous sisters. You are probably most familiar with the youngest, Medusa, and her hair of live snakes. Remember, if you looked at her, you would turn to stone? Well, there were two other seductive and irresistible-to-men sisters: Stheno and Euyale. As you might imagine from this relief, they were mysterious, fascinating to look at, and for fun, they destroyed men with their sharp fangs, manes of spewing snakes, and literally breathtaking looks.

(Where we would have been today #stunningsicily)

Allison Scola Avatar

About the author

Allison Scola is founder, owner, and curator of Experience Sicily and the Cannoli Crawl. Named one of the experts for the 2019 New York Times Travel Show, Scola writes and lectures on Sicily and leads immersive tours and designs custom itineraries that delight discerning travelers. She has been featured on Rudy Maxa’s World with the Carey’s, America’s #1 Travel Radio Show and as the cannoli expert in the documentary Cannoli, Traditions Around the Table. Scola has lectured about Sicily at University of Pennsylvania, The New School, LIU Post University, Queens College, Westchester Italian Cultural Center, at high schools in the New York City metropolitan area, and at events in New York City.

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