The statue of Leonidas in Thermopyles
The Memorial in Thermopylae, which was erected in 1955, by the sculptor named Vasos Falireas, is a sculptural synthesis that consists of the brass statue of Leonides with his spear and shield in the centre, while on the right and left and in a lower height we have the marble figures of the personified Taigetos, which is the highest mountain in the Peloponese and the personified Evrotas which is a river flowing through the whole district of Laconia. The figure of King Leonides was based on an ancient warrior that was found in the excavation conducted by the British Archaeological School in 1920 and was identified as King Leonides. It should be noted that the Heroon in Thermopylae was constructed and erected by funds from Greeks living in America.
Authority
Historical information
Leonides' sacrifice along with his 300 comrades has become a timeless symbol and in the location where Lionides and his comrades died, ancient Greeks erected a momument bearing the well-known Simonides' epigram : Ὦ ξεῖν’, ἀγγέλλειν Λακεδαιμονίοις ὅτι τῇδε
κείμεθα, τοῖς κείνων ῥήμασι πειθόμενοι. Which can be translated to : 'O Stranger, send the news home to the people of Sparta that here we Are laid to rest: the commands they gave us have been obeyed. Which means : 'We died here following the traditions of the Spartans'. After the battle in Thermopylae a stone lion was built for everyone to remember the name of the king that died in this location. His body was sent to be buried in Sparta in 440BC.
In our day, neither the rock lion nor Simonides epigram is saved, A copy of the epigram has been placed on the top of the Hill of Kolonus opposite the Heroon, where the last scene of the Battle took place.
Time Periods
Boundaries
Tags
Directions
1. Coming from Athens on National Highway Road to Lamia, after the tollpost of Agia Triada, we take the route firght to the Local Community of Thermopylae.
2.Coming from Thessaloniki on National Highway Road to Athens, after the city of Lamia we take the route right to the Local Community of Thermopylae.
Transport
Intercity bus, car, taxi
Parking
Parking available
Work hours
Without Restrictions
Accessibility for disabled
Yes
Entry Cost
Bibliography, Links
http://www.lamia.gr/el/content/mnimeio-leonida-0
Photos 360o
