Macedonian Soldier Stele

[Ghostmojo]

Returning to the original image:

I found this on AncientSculpturGallary website....This soldier clearly holds a pelta, Phrygian helmet, longche, thorax....
Opinions..?
Johnny

What do you make of the shield design? Is that a specifically Makedonian image, or one used by other Greeks of the period? I think I have seen it used by Carthaginian hoplites too. Also, is there any significance to what looks like a snake climbing up his spear? Although the figure is singular, I wonder if he might be a Dioskouri-related representation.

The shield design is the generic Macedonian design which was used for shields of an episema with a symbol and concentric circles around the rim. The snake is a chthonic symbol in Greek religion, and heroic figures are often depicted alongside trees, snakes, and altars (on which they are often pouring libations).

I neglected to consider the cthonic aspect of it MP. Your point adds to my curiosity about a Dioskouri connection (also the possible Pilos helmet being connected with them) as deities with obvious military connections and totemistic links with the snake.