This bronze inscribed hydria (kalpis), with the inventory number ΜΘ 5243α was found by chance in 1954 in the course of construction work at Karabournaki (Thessaloniki). It is believed that it was buried in a grave and that it contained the ashes of the deceased.

The vessel is of Attic manufacture, belongs to the simple type of bronze undecorated hydriae and is dated to the years 450-425 BC. Secondary decoration exists on the rim (astragalus and egg-and-dart), the base (tongue pattern) and the horizontal handles (rosette). Despite its simplicity as a work of art, it is an artifact of great importance, due to its inscriptions. More precisely, an inscription is written on the mouth ring, in Ionic alphabet and in letters made up of small punched dots (pointillé). It reads: Ἀθεναῖοιἆθλ<ο>α (ἐ)πίτοῖςἐμτοιπολέμοι. Moreover a possible ΔΕ (=δημόσιον/public) is incised on its base.

According to these inscriptions, this particular vase was awarded as a prize at the games known as the Epitaphia; the latter were funeral sports and musical games, established by the Athenians, probably in 479 BC, after the battle of Plataea (Diodorus Siculus IX.33.3), in order to honor the dead of the Persian wars as heroes, in accordance with Homeric standards.

In addition to the hydria in Thessaloniki, two more prizes of these games are known, namely two bronze lebetes from Attica, with identical inscriptions.

You can see the exhibit in the permanent exhibition "Macedonia from the 7th c. BC to Late Antiquity", showcase 5.