Overview:

The Statue of Philip II, King of Macedonia, also known as the Philippeion, stands proud among the ruins of The Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus in Athens, Greece. Built circa 338 BC, the Philippeion is one of the most impressive structures at the site and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The statue is a circular, open-air pavilion that is decorated with a number of statues and relief sculptures depicting Philip and members of his family. The structure is believed to have been built by the Macedonians to honour Philip II and celebrate his victory at the Battle of Chaeronea. The centre of the Philippeion is the famous bronze statue of the King, rendered in lifelike detail, which is believed to have been created by the renowned sculptors Leochares and Scopas. The circular colonnade is composed of twelve Doric columns and stands in stark contrast to the ruins of the ancient temple around it. The Philippeion is a testament to the greatness of Philip II, and stands as a reminder of the remarkable accomplishments of the Macedonian Empire. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Greece
Prominent Features:

The most prominent feature of Philip II of Macedon in Greece is the bronze equestrian statue of him located in Thessaloniki. This statue depicts Philip II on horseback wearing elaborate clothing and armor, and it is one of the most iconic images of the historical king. The statue was originally erected in 1982 and stands at a staggering 13 meters tall. It is a tribute to one of the most famous and influential rulers in Ancient Greek history and serves as a reminder of the legacy he left behind. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Greece.

History:

The Statue of Philip II, King of Macedon, is located in the agora of Thessaloniki, Greece, and was once one of the most recognizable monuments in the city. It dates back to the 4th century BCE and was made out of bronze. The statue was discovered during the 1870s archeological excavations conducted by Leon Heuzey and is believed to have been created by an artist from Amathus, a region that was famous for its many bronze workshops. The statue depicts King Philip II in a conquering stance and is adorned with symbols of his rule. The shield which he is holding bears the Euryctions or “Lion of Macedon” emblem, and the royal diadem with twelve rays of sun suggests his divine powers. The rope of gold braided around his arm may signify his strength in battle, and the flayed skin on his right arm reinforces Philip's role as an unwavering warrior. The stance of the statue suggests he may have been a ruler of great power. The statue was believed to have been destroyed in the Byzantine era, and the remnants were rediscovered during the excavations in the 1870s. It was restored and erected in the agora to commemorate Philip's famous rule and highlight the importance of Thessaloniki during the time of his reign. Today, it is one of the most visited monuments in the city and a symbol of its rich and tumultuous history. Visit one of the famous monuments of Greece with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Statue of Philip II is located in the center of the city of Amphipolis in northern Greece. 2. It stands 24 feet tall and is made of a single block of white marble. 3. It is thought to date back to around 300 B.C during the reign of Philip II who was the father of Alexander the Great. 4. Although the statue was only discovered in 2013, it is believed that the original site where it was found had been looted during the Ottoman Empire. 5. The face of the statue is thought to be a portrait of Philip II, whereas his cloak is said to be in the ‘Ionic’ style prevalent in the 4th century. 6. The inscription at the base of the statue reads ‘I AM PHILIP, the son of Amyntas, king of the land’, thus providing a strong indication to its purpose. 7. The statue has been identified as having national importance to Greece as it is believed to be one of the last remaining pieces of cultural heritage from this ancient civilization. 8. UNESCO has recognised the significance of the statue and has declared the area of amphipolis a World Heritage Site. 9. The statue was moved in 2014 to the Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis, where it is now on display. One of the historical monuments of Greece, it tells the story of a bygone era