The Loggia dei Lanzi is a building in the Piazza della Signoria, in Florence. Its open arches give access to a very diverse collection of sculpture. It was built between 1376 and 1382 as a location for ceremonial events: its name comes from the Lanzichenecchi, German mercenaries serving Grand Duke Cosimo I. It was later adapted to provide a viewing platform, frequently used by the Medicis, to watch events taking place in the piazza.
   The statuary is in three rows. The front row contains the two most distinguished works,   The second row has three varied statues, and against the back wall are six second century roman statues of women. We will look at those first.