The Ancient Street of the Tripods - The Lysikrates Choregic Monument

The Ancient Street of the Tripods - The Lysikrates Choregic Monument. . ΑΡΧΑΙΑ ΟΔΟΣ ΤΡΙΠΟΔΩΝ - ΧΟΡΗΓΙΚΟ ΜΝΗΜΕΙΟ ΛΥΣΙΚΡΑΤΟΥΣ , (Text in Greek on the left side. To read it enlarge the marker image) , English: , The ancient Street of the Tripods connected the Ancient Agora with the Sanctuary and the Theatre of Dionysos. The tripods were the prizes awarded to the choregoi (sponsors) by the city for their victory in the dramatic contests of the Greet or "en Astei" (in the city) Dionysia. During the 5th cent. BC they stood on more elaborate buildings, usually resembling temples. The Lysicrates choregic monument was established in 335-334 BC. The circular building rests on a square podium of portos stone, and consist of six Corinthian columns of Pentelic marble alternating with panels of Hymettian marble. The monument is decorated with a marble frieze depicting scenes from the life of Dionysos. The upper surface of the monolithic roof was ornamented with carved leaves that ended at an acanthus-shaped base and its surrounding area were incorporated into the Capuchin monastery, where Lord Byron, Chateaubriand and others were later entertained. With the exception of the Laysikrates Monument, all the buildings of the monastery were destroyed in 1824 by the Omer Pasha.