The Potnia Theron (Ancient Greek: Ἡ Πότνια Θηρῶν, [hɛː pót.ni.a tʰɛː.rɔ̂ːn], lit. "The Animal Queen") or Lady/Queen of Animals is a widespread motif in ancient art from the Mediterranean world and the ancient Near East, showing a central human, or human-like, female figure who grasps two animals, one to each side. Although the connections between images and concepts in the various ancient cultures concerned remain very unclear, such images are often referred to by the Greek term Potnia Theron regardless of culture of origin. * * * *