The marble one "Lion of Chaeronea", according to Pausanias, was built by the Thebans after the Battle of Chaeronea. It is a funerary monument, erected in honor of the Theban Hierolohites who were killed in the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC, in which the Macedonians of Philip II emerged victorious. When, after his victory, Philip allowed the burial of the dead, Leo of Chaeronea was erected there, to mark their burial place. Excavations at the site brought to light the skeletons of 254 men and some of their weapons. He is 5.30 meters tall and is depicted sitting on his hind legs. The lion is considered to symbolize the heroism of the soldiers of Thebes, which Philip II himself had recognized. Leo was discovered after excavations in 1818. Today it is located next to the Archaeological Museum of Chaeronea, in front of a row of cypress trees.
Virtual Reality Center in Chaironia
'
