Lion of Amphipolis

Welcome to one of the most powerful symbols of ancient Macedonia: the Lion of Amphipolis. As you stand before this 'monumental sculpture,' you are looking at a masterpiece of the 4th century before Christ. …

We start our detailed look at the base. The monument you see today was 'restored on a conventional pedestal at the site where it was found,' near the 'old bridge' over the Strymon River. …

Now, turn your attention to the lion itself. This is a work of 'high classical art.' Although the head and body were found separately, their 'reconstruction' reveals a 'majestic' creature in a seated position. …

The story of how this lion returned to us is as 'fascinating' as its ancient history. 'Fragments of the sculpture were first found during the first Balkan war in 1912' by Greek soldiers. …

For years, the lion was a 'monument without a home,' but recent excavations at the nearby 'Kasta Burial Mound' have provided a startling new context. This mound is an 'impressive ancient Macedonian tomb,' the largest ever found…

To understand the lion, we must understand the man it likely honors: Laomedon of Lesbos. Laomedon was a 'devoted companion' of Alexander and served as an 'admiral' during the Asian campaigns. …

The physical location of the lion is no accident. It sits near the 'Strymon River,' which in ancient times was a 'mighty' waterway that 'opened up into a lake.' This was the 'lifeline' of Amphipolis. …

Our visit to the Lion of Amphipolis concludes with a final look at this 'Impressive site.' We have traveled through 'centuries of history,' from the '4th century BC' to the 'discovery in 1912' and the 'reconstruction in the…