In Greek mythology, Athena placed the Gorgoneion, or Gorgon face, on her shield after receiving Medusa’s head.
A Gorgoneion is an image of a Gorgon’s face used as a protective emblem. In myth, Athena displayed Medusa’s head on her shield or breastplate, preserving its power to frighten or petrify enemies.
The symbol also became important in Greek art and architecture. Gorgon faces appeared on shields, pottery, temples, coins, and other objects, where the terrifying image could function as an apotropaic sign—something intended to ward off danger.
The Gorgoneion is not the same as the aegis, although the two are closely connected in later descriptions. The aegis is Athena’s divine protective garment or armor; the Gorgoneion is specifically the Gorgon-face emblem placed upon it or associated with it.