The Lion of Amphipolis is the first contact with the ancient city, taking place when passing the old bridge over Strymonas. The giant statue was re-assembled from its pieces found in Strymonas between 1936 and 1937. The monument was probably destroyed by the Bulgarians in 1204 AD, who had then pillaged all Macedonian cities. It is a highly imposing marble lion in the posture of a wildcat with its front legs upright. It is said that the Lion was erected in honour of Laomedontas, son of Larichos and trusted friend of Alexander the Great, or in honour of Nearchus, admiral of Alexander the Great. It was probably erected, however, like the lions of Delos, simply to illustrate the power of the city.