Looking towards the Sacred Lake, these famous ancient lions carved from Naxos marble numbered at least nine; five have been replaced by copies, a sixth was removed by the Venetians in the 17C and today stands guard over the Arsenale in Venice, the other three have disappeared. Seated and arranged at different levels, these long-torsoed beasts with intricate manes give a powerful feeling of restrained force. Their hieratic nature and stylisation of form suggest a near-Eastern influence.