PECILE was a famous portico at Athens, which received its name from the variety (πειραδος) of paintings which it contained. Zeno kept his school there; and there also the Stoics received their lessons; whence their name, from peira, a porch. Amongst other things, the Pecile was adorned with a picture of the siege and sacking of Troy, another of the battle of Theseus with the Amazons, and a third of the fight between the Lacedæmonians and Athenians at Cene in Argolis. It was also accounted a great distinction to have one's portrait placed in this national gallery. In fact, the only reward which Miltiades obtained after the battle of Marathon, was to have his picture drawn more conspicuously than those of the rest of the officers who fought
with him on that occasion, in the representation which was made of the engagement, and to have it hung up in the Pæcile in commemoration of that celebrated victory. This was accounted glory enough for so great and memorable an achievement.