The lion stands in a striking form in the northern firmament. Leo Minor (Little Lion), Virgo (Virgo), Cancer (Cancer), Lynx (Lynx), Hydra (Water Snake) and Ursa Major (Big Bear) live in his homeland.

The lion's story about this constellation could be traced back to the ancient Egyptians. In the summer heat, the sun passed through the constellation. At the same time the lions left the desert for a more pleasant region, the sandbanks of the Nile.

The brightest star in Leo is Alpha Leonis also called Regulus. The Babylonians knew it as the 'King's Star' or 'the star that stands at the lion's breast', since the position of Regulus marks the lion's heart. The name Regulus also means 'prince' in Latin.