The Lion Gate, which was the main entrance to the Acropolis, takes its name from the two wild animals sculpted on the huge monolithic pediment. Of Asiatic inspiration, they stood watch over the entrance to the upper town and symbolised Mycenaean power. The huge size of the gate's monolithic blocks is striking; the lintel in particular is breathtakingly powerful - unusual for a civilisation that set little store by monumental sculpture - and it is also the sole decorative element.