The reconstruction of the Serpent Column in Delphi

Abstract

There are two basic versions for reconstructing the famous victory monument at Delphi: either with a large or with a small tripod cauldron. Comparisons with other contemporary monuments (tripod of Gelon and that of the Crotonians) and other practical considerations point to the conclusion that a large cauldron can be definitely ruled out. Consequently, the small version is accepted but with a small addition/modification: there must have been an intermediate element (upper part of a column shaft with a capital) joining the serpent heads and serving as a base for the cauldron legs, which was made most probably of marble or stone. This solution can definitely account for the position of the serpent bodies and heads and may also solve the technical and historical problems related to the small reconstruction.