Venice, a city of canals and bridges, is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. But tucked away in this city lies a treasure with a story that spans centuries and continents: the Piraeus Lion.
This majestic marble statue, towering over nine feet tall, is not just a beautiful piece of art; it’s a silent witness to the ebb and flow of civilizations.
When I visited Venice in the Spring of 2024, one of the sights that I wanted to see the most was the lion guarding the entrance to the Arsenale. I don’t remember how I learned about this statue at first. It could have come from an episode of the Hardcore History podcast where they talked about Vikings, or maybe it was somewhere else.
Still, I remember thinking about it when I went to Athens and cruised to the Greek islands that left the Piraeus port.
I couldn’t miss this lion when planning what to see in Venice. When I got there with my friends, I was the only one excited to see it, and I will tell you why now.
From Athens to Venice: The Journey of the Piraeus Lion
Sculpted in ancient Greece around 360 BC, the Piraeus Lion originally stood guard at the port of Athens. Imagine it, bathed in the Mediterranean sun, a symbol of strength and protection for the ships sailing in and out of the harbor.
But the lion’s journey was far from over.
In 1687, Venetian commander Francesco Morosini captured Athens during a war between Venice and the Ottoman Empire. Among the spoils of war was the Piraeus Lion, carried away to Venice as a victory trophy. Morosini, later hailed as a hero and made Doge (the leader of Venice), placed the lion at the entrance to the Arsenale, the city’s powerful shipyard.
And here’s where the story takes an unexpected turn.
Unveiling the Secrets of the Piraeus Lion
After arriving in Venice, the lion was displayed at the Arsenale. For centuries, people wondered about the strange markings on its shoulders. In the 18th century, someone finally recognized them as Viking runes.
Etched into the lion’s shoulders are mysterious markings – not Greek letters, but ancient Viking runes! Scholars believe these runes were carved by Varangian mercenaries.
These Norse warriors served in the Byzantine Emperor’s army around the 11th century. Far from their Scandinavian homelands, these Vikings left their mark on the lion, adding another layer to its history.
But what do these runes say? Unfortunately, we may never know the whole story behind the runes. Time and weather have worn them down, making them difficult to read. Experts have tried deciphering them, but the exact meaning remains a mystery.
The Piraeus Lion Today
Today, the Piraeus Lion is a unique link between ancient Greece, the Venetian Republic, and the adventurous Vikings. It’s a testament to the interconnectedness of civilizations, the impact of war and conquest, and the enduring power of art. Though weathered and faded, the runes whisper tales of daring voyages and faraway lands.
When visiting the Arsenale in Venice, look out for the Piraeus Lion standing guard on the left side of the main entrance. Look at the lion’s shoulders, where you can still see the faint markings of Viking runes etched centuries ago. Now that you can see the runes imagine how they came from ancient Greece to a port in Venice. Now, it is a silent witness to the rise and fall of civilizations.
In my eyes, the Piraeus Lion is more than just a statue. This fascinating story, expertly sculpted in marble, demands to be discovered by those who seek its secrets. And it would be best if you did it too.
From Athens to Venice: The Journey of the Piraeus Lion
Campo de l’Arsenal, 30122
Venezia VE, Italy
