Motifs with Sacred and Apotropaic Meanings on the Wall Paintings of Cappadocia Region

Abstract

In early Christian society, the continuation of pagan beliefs and apotropaic elements derived from the Roman culture can be observed in the reflections of artistic production. Apotropaic themes bearing the traces of paganism, such as the Medusa head and the mask were used continuously for decorative purposes by Christian artists. These motifs also show apotropaic features aligning with the Christian faith in the decoration of the new Byzantine art.