Chaeronia was first settled in the Prehistoric Period (site "Magoula Balomenou"). It was subject to Orchomenos up to the end of the 5th century B.C.: it then formed one of the 11 Boeotian districts until 338 B.C. In te Roman era it was granted status of freedom. The grave of the Thebans was excavated in 1879 and the Magoula Balomenou in 1902-4 by G.Soteriadis. Here is the Lion of Chaironeia, marble funerary monument (5,5 m. high) which marked the communal grave of the Sacred Band of Thebans that was crushed (338 B.C.) in the battle with Philip B´ of Macedonia. It was discovered in 1818 in pieces and was restored on a plinth 3 m. high.

• At Chaeronia

  Chaeronia

• Lion Monument

  Chaeronia

• Information Sign at Chaironeia

  Chaeronia

• Close up of head of Lion Monument

  Chaeronia

• Lion Monument

  Chaeronia

• Detail of Paws of the Lion Monument

  Chaeronia

• Profile of Lion Monument

  Chaeronia

• Chris J. stands in front of Lion Monument for Perspective

  Chaeronia