Basic Information

- Location of discovery: South side of the Gate of the Acropolis in the Acropolis Hill.

- Type: Fragment of an honorary decree stone, with the relief on the upper part preserved, and the original text of the decree of the Athenian Assembly (now partially lost) engraved at the bottom.

- Purpose: Awarded by the Athenian city-state to foreigners from Croton in southern Italy the privileges of "foreign agent proxenos" and the rights of the city-state benefactors.

Interpretation of the Relief Images (Niche Composition)

1. On the right: Athena

Wearing a helmet and holding a shield, representing the Athenian city-state. Standing within the niche, she is the embodiment of the authority of the city-state.

2. On the left: Asclepius (the god of medicine)

Wearing a long robe and holding a medical staff.

3. The central symbol: The sacred snake

A coiled serpent, the core symbol of the god of medicine Asclepius, representing healing and protection.