Medea is sited on the western side of the river Isonzo, between the brooks Versa and Judrio. Medea enjoys a uniquely fortunate position due to its proximity to the wine-growing area of Cormons and the historic and commercial centres of Gradisca and Palmanova, the latter a 15th century fortified town.

There are several tales and legends related to the ancient origins of Medea, a village that maintains traces of its past history and its Austrian heritage. The tales and legends include those related to the Greek myth of the Argonauts and of Medea, Circe's niece, who was said to possess magic powers and who might have given her name to the village (G.B. Falzari, 1962 and A. von Mailly, 1990).

The origins of the village were of interest to notable historians like Tito Livio and Strabone, as well as to?... who narrated the life of St. Anthony. The hill overlooking the village was found to contain remains from the Iron Age as well as relics from the Roman period.