Choragic Monument of Lysikrates: Overall view, imaged from lantern slide

Three choragic monuments (choragos: 'leader or organizer of a choir'), all of different architectural type, commemorate victories in the dramatic contests and originally displayed the bronze tripods given as prizes. The monument built by Thrasyllos and the Monument of Nikias date from 320-319 BCE. The well-preserved Monument of Lysikrates (335-334 BCE) stands in the 'Street of the Tripods' (Pausanias: Guide to Greece I.xx.1), which led round the Acropolis east of the theatre. It is a small, circular-plan building of Pentelic and Hymettian marble, set on a high podium and decorated with a carved frieze showing Dionysos and the Pirates. Its six Corinthian columns represent the earliest external use of this order.