fummit of the hill. This edifice is a piece of a circle, the concave part of it turned towards the citadel, and the convex to the Portus Phalerus; the fide, that looks to the fea, is plain, but the other is adorned with ftatues and bafs-relievos: the whole is built of white marble, and the sculpture is exceedingly good. The bass-relievo represents a triumphal car, with the conful in it, drawn by four horfes, and preceded by feveral figures of foldiers, with their arms and military enfigns. Above is a statue feated in a niche, under, which is written ΦΙΛΟΠΑΠΠΟΣ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΒΗΣΑΙΕΥΣ. On the right hand of this is another niche, with a statue, under which is written ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ. Between the two niches is a Corinthian pilafter, with the following infcription: C. IVLIVS C. F. FAB. ANTIOCHVS PHILOPAPPVS CON. SVLLECTVS INTER PRAETORIOS AB IMP. CAESARE NERVA TRAIANO OPTVMO DACICO. On the left hand of the ftatue ought undoubtedly to be another pilafter, with the remainder of this infcription, as also another I 2 niche, ATHENS. ATHENS. niche, to make the whole regular; but all that part of the building is wanting. What I conclude from these inscriptions is, that this Philopappus, though he is mentioned to be a native of Befa, a borough of Attica, was of Syrian extraction, from his name of Antiochus which strengthens the conjecture; and from the statue of Antiochus, king of Syria, placed at his right hand; whence I am pretty well affured, that this building was erected in honour of him after his death; and that Paufanias's illuftrious Syrian was no other than Antiochus Philopappus. Opposite to the Museum, close under the walls of the Acropolis, or citadel, is the Theatre of Bacchus, where the Athenians performed their dramatic pieces. It was dedicated to Bacchus, as the inventor and patron of all theatrical performances. Alluding to this character of him, Callimachus writes the following epigram: |