Lion of Chaeronea, Ancient marble monument in Boeotia, Greece
The Lion of Chaeronea is a marble statue standing about 6 meters (20 feet) tall near the northern edge of the Boeotian plain. The monument sits in an open landscape with minimal structures around it, making it visible from several directions.
The monument was built after the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BCE, when Macedon defeated the Greek forces. It marks the burial site of soldiers who died in the battle and were interred at this spot over two millennia ago.
The statue embodies how ancient Greeks honored their fallen soldiers through permanent monuments in public spaces. It stands at a place where visitors can still sense the memory of those commemorated and the respect shown to them.
The site is best reached by following the main roads through Boeotia and then walking from a nearby stopping point. The location is exposed to the elements, so visitors should bring water and sun protection depending on the season.
The sculpture was completely reassembled and placed on a new pedestal in 1902 after being damaged over the centuries. This restoration effort returned it to its original location, making it one of the few ancient monuments that was carefully reconstructed on site.
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