DIO´BOLON
DIO´BOLON (
Διώβολον),
a small coin of two obols [
DRACHMA], which was given to each Athenian citizen during the
festivals to pay for his seat in the theatre, whence the gift was called
διωβελία. (
Xen. Hell. 1.7, § 2;
Aristot. Pol. 2.7.19.) In Plautus the adjective
diobolaris signifies anything very cheap or mean
(
scorta, Plaut.
Poen. 1.2,
61; Varr.
L. L. 7.64; Fest. p. 74, 6, M.;
anus, Plaut.
Pseud. 2.2, 64, but in this
passage others read
doliaris). [
W.S]
(Appendix). The evidence on
which this payment is ascribed to Pericles is insufficient. Our author
(100.28), who uses the form
διωβολία (which
is found also in the passage cited from the
Politics of
Aristotle), states definitely that it was first established by Cleophon. As
regards the words which follow, speaking of an increase by Callicrates, see
note on
THEORICON
