The marble lions dedicated to Apollo by the Naxians at the end of 7th century B.C. stand in a row facing eastwards, towards the Sacred Lake. They are reckoned originally to have been sixteen in number, but only five lions and the remains of three more, standing on modern bases, can be seen in position today. The headless body of another lion now decorates the Arsenal in Venice. Bordering the west side of the road leading from the harbour in Skardana bay to the temples, they were the eternal guardians of the Sanctuary.