Histories

He also had a figure of a lion made of refined gold, weighing ten talents. When the temple of Delphi [22.5167,38.4917] (Perseus) Delphi was burnt, this lion fell from the ingots which were the base on which it stood; and now it is in the treasury of the Corinthians, but weighs only six talents and a half, for the fire melted away three and a half talents.

When these offerings were ready, Croesus sent them to Delphi [22.5167,38.4917] (Perseus) Delphi, with other gifts besides: namely, two very large bowls, one of gold and one of silver. The golden bowl stood to the right, the silver to the left of the temple entrance.

These too were removed about the time of the temple's burning, and now the golden bowl, which weighs eight and a half talents and twelve minae,[*](mna== about 15 oz. Troy weight.) is in the treasury of the Clazomenians, and the silver bowl at the corner of the forecourt of the temple. This bowl holds six hundred nine-gallon measures: for the Delphians use it for a mixing-bowl at the feast of the Divine Appearance.[*](The Theophania was a festival at Delphi [22.5167,38.4917] (Perseus) Delphi, at which the statues of gods were shown.)

It is said by the Delphians to be the work of Theodorus of Nisos Samos [26.8,37.75] (island), Samos, Aegean Islands, Greece, Europe Samos, and I agree with them, for it seems to me to be of no common workmanship. Moreover, Croesus sent four silver casks, which stand in the treasury of the Corinthians, and dedicated two sprinkling-vessels, one of gold, one of silver. The golden vessel bears the inscription “Given by the Lacedaemonians,” who claim it as their offering. But they are wrong,