Funerary Stela of Demokleides

The Funerary Stela of Demokleides (NAMA 752) is a funerary monument on display at the National Archaeological Museum, Athens [1]. Displayed as part of the museum's sculpture collection, the stela is unique amongst many stelai and gravestones contemporary to Classical Athens, for its naval iconography [1]. The stela was discovered in 1881 in the port city of Piraeus, and depicts a young hoplite, in chiton sitting on his chlamys, with his shield, weaponry, and Corinthian helmet behind him [1]. The text above the young man denotes him as Demokleides, son of Demetrios [1]. Demokleides is seen in a pensive position, right arm resting on his knees, overlooking the vast emptiness that is the sea, on the ram of a trireme [1].