GORGONEION ~ THE GREEK APOTROPAIC SYMBOL ON INDO-GREEK COINS

A Gorgoneion is an apotropaic Medusa- head pendant, which is meant to cause fear and horror to the viewer. The name derives from the Greek word gorgós, which means "dreadful." Medusa had the ability to turn people anyone into stone through her lethal gaze. She was slain by the Greek hero Perseus, who gave her head to Goddess Athena, and She placed it on her aegis. Through the Greek Religion, the Gorgoneion was established as a symbol of protection against evil energies, worn not only by Gods, but also by humans- Hellenistic kings and Roman emperors wore the Gorgoneion for protection. Images of the Gorgons were also put upon objects and buildings for protection.

Alexander the Great's armour included a Gorgoneion as part of its decoration. This was adopted by the later Greek Kings of Bactria and India.