Did someone say griffon fanon?
 
Griffons in Mythology are known to live in mountains, hoard gemstones & gold for nests, and their Eggs resemble the gemstone Agate. If this were to translate into FIM, The Griffons would probably have Gilded Cities on mountains (possibly to help with visibility against the snow), They would be very protective of their eggs (Least invading Dragons or Diamond Dogs mistake them for actual Agate) and they would need to be pretty skilled to build cities on the sides of mountains (which could explain why Canterlot is built in contrast to most other pony architecture)
 
TL;DR Personal Headcanon: Griffon architects are well known for their craft and were hired to help design & Build Crystal Empire and Canterlot. They are very defensive.

@Psychopomf Agreed. As much I love FOE, I hate it’s take on Zebras.

Griffon statues guard things that are important

Actually, I wonder if there was any kind of significance with there being Griffons on the Crystal Pony Library
 
I think that’d indicate the griffons are at least as old a race as them

@Psychopomf  
Yeah, totally.

There needs to be more griffon fanon
 
And Zebras.
 
Non Fallout Equestrian I mean.