Statue of Aghias of Pharsala

This statue of the athlete Aghias was part of a group of sculptures that represent the votive offering of Daochos II.

Aghias of Pharsala was a champion in many of the Panhellenic games in the 5th century B.C. featuring the pankration, a combination of wrestling and boxing.

The group consisted of nine statues, eight of which represented members of Daochos’ family and one a god, probably Apollo.

Daochos II, the grandson of Aghias, was a politician from Pharsalus and dedicated the offerings as a sign of honor to his prominent family.

The sculptural group is one of the most significant offerings made by a private person to the Delphic sanctuary of Apollo.

The inscriptions mention the names and the most important accomplishments of the family members.

The most complete statue is of Aghias, great-grandfather of Daochos II and who was the renowned athlete of the pankration in the 5th century B.C., who was repeatedly victorious in all of the Panhellenic games.

This group is attributed to the famed sculptor Lysippos or his school.