Where is the Piraeus Lion located today?
The Piraeus Lion stands three meters tall in the Venetian Arsenal today. The main statue remains exposed to the elements in Venice where it continues to lose detail over time.
Questions about Piraeus Lion
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When was the Piraeus Lion carved and what was its original purpose?
Ancient sculptors carved this white marble statue around 360 BC to guard the harbor of Athens. For centuries it sat at the entrance to the port known as Piraeus, serving as a fountain with water flowing from its hollow throat into a cistern below.
Who removed the Piraeus Lion from Greece and when did this event occur?
Francesco Morosini removed the marble lion from Greece during the Great Turkish War in 1687. This naval commander led Venetian forces against the Ottoman Empire when they captured Athens and damaged the Parthenon with their cannons.
What do the runic inscriptions on the Piraeus Lion say about Scandinavian visitors?
Two lengthy runic inscriptions carved by Scandinavians appear on the shoulders and flanks of the lion. These markings likely date to the second half of the 11th century when Vikings traveled through Europe.
Where are copies of the Piraeus Lion located today due to weathering damage?
Copies of the original artifact can be found today at the Piraeus Archaeological Museum and the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm due to weathering damage on the main piece. The Swedish History Museum in Stockholm holds one replica while the Piraeus Archaeological Museum displays another version near Athens.