Latest / The History of Greece: Philosophy, Empire, and Endless Reinvention — Fexingo History
The Piraeus Lion: A Runestone in Athens
In 1687, a Venetian expedition to Athens discovered a colossal marble lion in Piraeus harbor — covered in runic carvings. This episode traces the journey of the Piraeus Lion from its creation in the 4th century BCE, through its Viking-era graffiti by Varangian mercenaries, to its removal to Venice. We explore the runic inscription, the identity of the carvers, and what this monument tells us about the far reach of Norse warriors in the Byzantine Empire and their encounter with classical Greek heritage.
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