Abstract
The article deals with the issue of financing festive ceremonies in ancient Athens in the middle of the 5th – early 4th centuries BC Epigraphic material is used as the main source – inscriptions dedicated to the leasing of sacred land plots (temenos). In ancient Greece, there were a large number of holidays that were held pompously. Judging by the information of ancient authors, data from archeology and epigraphy, a large expenditure of funds was spent on their conduct, which came from various sources. The analysis of the content of the inscriptions on the leasing of temenos suggests how festivals were financed in ancient Attica during the leasing of sacred lands. The analysis of the epigraphic data shows that, in accordance with the terms of the temenos lease agreements, landlords (demes, phratries and religious communities) ordered tenants to transfer funds to finance public celebrations (Panathenaea, Apaturia, Dionisii), as well as for local holidays. In addition, part of the grown crops and livestock were sent to the solemn sacrifices that accompanied every Greek holiday. The receipt of those funds was monitored by officials of the Athens polis.
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