Lion

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Lions held a prominent place in the cultural and symbolic landscape of ancient Greece and Anatolia, serving as powerful symbols of strength, courage, and divine protection. Though lions were not native to mainland Greece, they were once indigenous to parts of the Balkan Peninsula and Anatolia, making them familiar creatures to the ancient Greeks and their eastern neighbors.

In Anatolia, lions were revered as symbols of kingship and divine power, frequently appearing in Hittite, Lydian, and Phrygian art and architecture. Carvings of lions adorned city gates, temples, and royal palaces, serving as guardians and emblems of authority. For example, the famous Lion Gate at the Hittite capital of Hattusa (modern-day Turkey) dates to the 14th century BCE and features lion sculptures that symbolized protection and strength.

Lions also played a role in Anatolian mythology, where they were often associated with deities. The Phrygian goddess Cybele, a mother goddess of nature and fertility, was frequently depicted with lions at her side. These images emphasized her dominion over wild animals and the untamed forces of nature.

In Greece, lions were largely known through cultural exchange, mythology, and encounters during travels to the east. They became prominent in Greek art and storytelling, symbolizing power and heroism. The lion’s image was immortalized in the Nemean Lion, a fearsome creature slain by Herakles as the first of his Twelve Labors. This myth emphasized the lion’s strength and invulnerability, as its hide was said to be impervious to weapons, requiring Herakles to strangle it with his bare hands.

Lions were also depicted on Greek pottery, coins, and sculptures, often as guardians or symbols of divine protection. For instance, monumental lion statues were placed at gravesites to honor the deceased, reflecting their strength and nobility in life. The Lion of Amphipolis, a large funerary sculpture in northern Greece, is a notable example of this tradition.

Alexander riding Bukephalos 238-244 CE Antandros, Troas 350-340 BCE Arsiles 1st century BCE Assos, Troas 350-300 BCE Baktria 4th century BCE Chersonesos, Thrace 386-338 BCE Demetrios Poliorketes 300 BCE Eleutheria, Mysia 4th century BCE Gordian III 238-244 CE Herakleia Trachineia, Thessaly 370-344 BCE Histaia, Euboia 338-304 BCE Isaura Palaia 335-325 BCE Julia Domna 205 CE Kardia, Chersonese 309-220 BCE Kardia, Chersonese 350-309 BCE Kardia, Chersonesos 357-320 BCE Kardia, Thrace 350-309 BCE Knidos, Caria 350-320 BCE Koinon of Macedon 238-244 CE Komama, Pisidia 1st century BCE Leon of Paeonia 278-250 BCE Lion Advancing with club 231-235 CEMost of the Koinon of Macedon coins were minted roughly ten years later than this one. Lion Advancing with club 238-244 CE Lykkeios 359-335 BCE Lysimachia, Thrace 309-220 BCE Lysimachos 323-305 BCE Mazaios 361-334 BCE Miletos 350-325 BCE Perdikkas III 365-359 BCE Pessinos, Galatia ca 20 BCE Phagres, Macedon 400-350 BCE Philippi, Macedon ca 356-345 BCE Plakia, Mysia 4th century BCE Pumiathon of Kition 362-312 BCE Samaria 375-333 BCE Samaria 375-333 BCE Samos, Ionia 310 BCE Sanballat 375-333 BCE Septimius Severus 207 CE Stasioikos II of Marion 330-312 BCE Straton of Sidon 337/36 BCE Urimilk III of Byblos 333 BCE