The stephanos (Greek: στέφανος) was a prominent symbol in ancient Greek culture, referring to a crown or wreath worn as a mark of honor, accomplishment, or divine favor. The term “stephanos” itself translates to “crown” or “wreath” in English, and it was a versatile symbol used in various contexts, both sacred and secular.

In the religious sphere, the stephanos was often associated with deities, particularly gods like Zeus, as seen in the epithet Stephanophoros, meaning “the crowned one.” Deities were sometimes depicted wearing crowns made of leaves, flowers, or other symbolic materials. In these cases, the stephanos signified the god’s sovereignty, protection, and divine power. The crown was not only a symbol of the god’s dominion but also of their relationship with the people, who saw the gods as protectors and benefactors.

In athletic competitions, such as the Olympic Games, victors were awarded a stephanos made from laurel leaves, olive branches, or pine—symbols of victory, honor, and achievement. These crowns were given to champions to celebrate their physical prowess and success in the games. The laurel wreath, specifically, became synonymous with victory, as it was believed to have been the crown worn by Apollo, the god of athletic and artistic excellence. Thus, the stephanos was a marker of individual or collective achievement, and wearing it was a public recognition of one’s excellence.

In the military context, the stephanos also served as a symbol of victory and honor for soldiers or military leaders. After a successful campaign, generals and soldiers could be awarded a crown to signify their bravery and contribution to the state’s success. The act of crowning a victorious general or army was not just a personal honor but a statement of the state’s gratitude and the individual’s elevated status within society.