427-434

The Lion of Amphipolis : A study on "lichen colonization"

• Σαββίδης, Θωμάς
• Περιστέρη, Κατερίνα
• Κυρανούδη, Μαρία
• Παπακώστα, Βασιλική
• Turk, Roman

The Lion of Amphipolis is a part of the 4th century B.C funerary stone sculpture of the city. 48 lichen taxa were identified on the surface of the monument, some of which are of definite interest in that they hadnot yet been reported in Central Macedonia, N. Greece phytoclimatic region. Differences in species richness and composition were found among the exposed surfaces of the lion body. Reconstructed parts with the use of artificial mortar materials after restoration arc completely covered by lichens whereas original parts of the monument are almost free. The lower part of the conventional base is almost completely colonized by calcareous, nitrogen-tolerant species mainly Caloplaca spp and Verrucaria spp. Horizontal surfaces with a better water supply are colonized by white lichens (Verucaria spp or Aspicilia spp), while vertical (they drough out faster) by black. The colonization pattern seems to be more related to the geometry and morphology of the statue, determining the water capacity of the surface. The surface in Lions belly as protected very well from rain water is free of lichen colonization. In contrary, the front feet as well as the head, facing the atmospheric humidity and rain, are densely colonized. In many cases, lichen thalli create a central blister by the crowding of apothecia pulling away fragments of the substratum. Many lichens species starts the growth along cracks or inscriptions in which liquid water stored for longer time. With perspective in the environmental and artistic context, lichen biodiversity should be included in the concept of the historic and artistic value of the lion of Amphipolis.

• History and Archaeology
• Arts

• Αρχαιολογία
• Τέχνη

αρχαία ελληνική γλυπτική, Σέρρες

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