Between the Stoa of Eumenes and the Theatre of Dionysus, the foundations of the choragic monument of Nikias are preserved. It is a temple-shaped building with six Doric columns on the facade and a square nave, made of limestone, Pentelic marble and Akropolis limestone. Its choragic inscription refers to Nikias the son of Nikodemos from the deme of Xypete, winner in a dithyrambic contest for youths in the Great Dionysia of 320/19 BCE.
The choregoi were wealthy Athenian citizens who shouldered the expenses of a chorus intended to participate in musical or dramatic competitions. In case of victory, the choregos had the obligation and the honour to undertake the erection of a commemorative votive offering to the deity, on which his name was inscribed. The choragic monuments were erected in the area of the Theatre of Dionysus on the south slope and mainly along Tripodon Street, east of the theatre. As these monuments consist of three basic elements, namely the elevated pedestal, the base, and the tripod placed on top, the choregoi sought to impress and distinguish themselves in their decoration and production. This gradually led to the construction of elaborate and costly choragic monuments that resembled independent structures, such as that of Nikias.
We do not have any other information about Nikias the son of Nikodemos, but it can be inferred from the size and complexity of the monument he dedicated that he was a particularly affluent Athenian seeking social prominence. According to scholars, the amount Nikias contributed was substantial, especially considering the cost of living for an average citizen and his income. It is estimated that the cost of the roof tiles alone could cover a household’s needs for about two years.
The choragic monument of Nikias stood in its place until the 3rd century CE when it was dismantled to use its components in the construction of the late Roman wall and, in particular, in the construction of the Beulé Gate.
