The funerary stele of Pancharos

The stele was found in Piraeus. It was the funerary monument of Panchares, son of Leochares, according to the inscription engraved below the two decorative rosettes. In the middle of the stele, a battle scene is depicted, separated by a kyma (molding) from the relief loutrophoros at the bottom. This bathing-vessel, pre-eminently one associated with weddings, indicates that the deceased was young, of marriageable age.

In the central representation, a hoplite is depicted fighting a horseman, while between them is a second hoplite, almost fallen. The hoplite on the left, who is identified with the dead Panchares, is in full battle gear, wearing a tunic, breastplate, and helmet with a rich crest, while holding a shield and sword. He moves decisively against the horseman, defending his wounded comrade, who, with his left hand, raises his shield in a last-ditch effort to defend himself. The horseman holds the horse’s reins in his left hand and raises his right hand in which he held a spear, probably depicted in paint. The sheath of a sword can be seen on the left part of the body. The facial features and rich youthful hairstyle, suggestive of portraits of Alexander the Great, argue that the mounted enemy is a Macedonian.

The monument dates to the third quarter of the 4th century BC. The opinion is thus strengthened that Panchares was one of the Athenians who heroically fell at the battle of Chaeronea, defending the freedom of their city.