---

Modern Description: Fragments of the lion, already smashed, were found in the early 19th century. Excavations in 1880 revealed the hastily buried, tightly packed skeletons of 254 men, probably the Theban Sacred Band, whose 300 members were obliterated by the Macedonian army at the battle of Chaironeia in 338 BCE. Probably a generation after the battle, a peribolos wall was built around the burial and the lion monument erected. Most of the skeletons, many showing horrendous wounds, were reburied at the site. The 1902 reconstruction is largely made with modern materials.
Wikidata ID: Q56952437
Trismegistos Geo: 33344

Info: ToposText editors

(JBK)

---