Self-aggrandisement
Choragic Monument of Lysicrates
The monument of Lysicrates stands on the Street of the Tripods, an ancient route that connected the Theatre of Dionysus to the Athenian Agora. Many choragic monuments stood on either side. They were erected to display the bronze tripod cauldrons awarded to the sponsor (choregos) of the plays that won first prize in the annual theatrical competition. Lysicrates won in 334 BC and built this monument to honour Dionysus, the god of theatre, for his victory. He also wanted to remind his fellow citizens of his generosity in paying for public entertainment. The architect is unknown. The lower part is square and made of white limestone blocks. The cylindrical structure is made of fine and expensive Pentelic marble. It is hollow and has a diameter of nine feet (approximately three meters). The six Corinthian columns is the first exterior use of this architectural order.
As seen on
Athens City Tour: the city of myths