The lion, structurally strong, agile, difficult to fight, and a predator whose prey often includes many animals — including humans — has historically become a living nightmare for other creatures across different geographies. For humans, who lived as hunters for long periods and were fully part of nature, the struggle with wildlife was intense. Since ancient times, in many civilizations, the lion symbolized “power” and was represented everywhere in human life — depicted in art, sculpted, or integrated into various objects and tools with care and attention. Examples include: lion statues on either side of the “victory arch” gates of ancient cities or on the lintels above inscriptions; lions as symbols of kingdoms, on rulers’ possessions, weapons, and in homes as carvings, reliefs, or door knockers; household items such as tables, stands, sculptures, figurines; depictions of lions preying on goats, pigs, bulls, dragons, and even humans; jewelry such as rings, necklaces, bracelets for men and women; lion reliefs on ancient coins; and lion figures on rulers’ palaces or tombs, symbolizing strength and awe, among many other examples.

The Lion First Appeared in Anatolia at Göbekli Tepe, Şanlıurfa
Archaeological evidence shows that lions began appearing in the Neolithic period, for example as stone reliefs at Göbekli Tepe in northeastern Şanlıurfa, dating to the 8th millennium BCE — possibly serving as protectors of sacred spaces. Mesopotamia, Egypt, Anatolia, and northern Syria provide a chronological framework for later lion depictions. From the early 2nd millennium BCE, Mesopotamia influenced Hittite art. Many historians note that Hittite and Assyrian works impacted the development of Late Hittite art, which in turn influenced Greek art. From the 8th century BCE, through colonization and trade, lions reached Ionia and Greece, continuing to be used in various contexts until the end of the Roman period.

Lions as Guardians in Egyptian and Archaic Greek Art
In Egyptian reliefs of the 4th millennium BCE, lions became representatives of kings and protective forces in temples. By the 2nd millennium BCE, they were placed at city gates. In the Archaic Greek world, lions served as protective grave guardians. This practice, beginning in the 7th century BCE, continued through the Roman period. Archaic and Classical period tomb monuments featured seated or reclining lions, while the Hellenistic period emphasized walking lions.

From the 6th century BCE, lions were indispensable in architectural features such as spouts. During the Hellenistic and Roman periods, lions were also popular motifs for table legs.

Anatolian Lions in Museums Around the World
No matter where you go in Anatolia, you encounter lion symbols, motifs, objects, or architectural features. Lions have historically represented one of the most important symbols of power in these lands. Examples include lions as symbols of the Assyrian and Babylonian kingdoms, lions on the city emblems of the Persian Empire, sacred lions of Apollo in Lydian Miletus appearing on coins, lions on coins in Knidos in 530 BCE, and widespread use of lion motifs in the ancient cities of Lycia. Lions also appear on coins in Leontinoi and Rhegion in Sicily, and in Kyrene in North Africa. Around the mid-1st century BCE, a lion-headed door knocker holding a ring appeared above a door in a wall painting of a house near Boscoreale, close to Pompeii, marking both the history of door knockers and the geographical spread of lion symbolism through maritime and land trade. However, no single example surpasses the Hittite depictions of lions with human heads symbolizing kings, or the lion imagery in Anatolia.

The Lion and Its Influence on Humans
What I want to focus on here goes beyond these facts: the lion’s impact on humans from ancient times is particularly evident in leather sandals worn by gods, goddesses, kings, nobles, and rulers, which often feature the head of a lion cub with the rest made from the animal’s hide. I have long wanted to write about this, draw attention to it, and share my insights. Our belief in the lion as the strongest of animals today naturally stems from history. We have not lived with lions; we know of their strength from documentaries, books, and stories. Some modern people have even attempted to domesticate wild animals, but generally, humans’ understanding of a lion’s power comes from indirect observation.

Historical readings show that hunter-gatherer societies developed skills, shelter, and protection practices to survive, transmitting knowledge between generations. Hunting, particularly of powerful animals like lions, conferred social respect, fearlessness, agility, and strength. The lion as Apollo’s sacred animal emphasizes its value and omnipresence.

Lions in Roman Tradition and Mithridates of Sinop
Lions were widely used in antiquity on the footwear of founders of Roman cities, gods, and goddesses. Hunters who made shoes from lions’ hides displayed their courage, strength, and status. In ancient societies across Asia and Africa, a person earned a name after demonstrating notable achievements. Similarly, hunting powerful animals like lions brought honor and prestige; offerings of hunted animals to gods were symbolic of personal valor. Romans, upon ruling Anatolia, adopted lion imagery in statues, objects, and coinage to symbolize power.

One of the most spectacular uses of the lion motif was by Mithridates VI of Pontus. He reportedly had a hat made from a lion’s head and was depicted in statues wearing it. This symbolized his fearlessness, invincibility, and absolute confidence. Mithridates also featured lions on coins from his cities, including Podalia in present-day Elmalı, Antalya. His choice of lion imagery likely influenced Romans to adopt similar motifs as symbols of power.

Lion Motifs on Doors and in Literature
Lion-headed door knockers remain visible in many houses, for instance in İzmir and other Anatolian cities. Rauf Denktaş, the first president of Northern Cyprus, documented a gilded lion on the entrance door of the presidential residence.

In everyday language and literature, the lion is present as well: we say “the Lion of God” for Hz. Ali, refer to male children as “lion cubs,” and use expressions like “as brave as a lion.” Lions symbolize strength, courage, and nobility, whereas animals such as camels, donkeys, foxes, or pigs might be invoked to emphasize other traits. This reflects a long-standing historical and mythological tradition of associating human characteristics with animal symbolism.