The “Hymn to Athena” (SEG 11.625) and Alcman’s Early Reception

This article investigates the relationship between a fragmentary sixth-century-b.c. inscription (SEG 11.625), part of a stele found in a sanctuary on the Spartan Acropolis, and Alcman’s poetry. Some evidence suggests that this inscription may carry a choral hymn to Athena, or else be a part of an epinician composed by a Spartan poet. I consider questions concerning the authorship of this poem and its generic affiliations. I conclude that although there are some indications that this poem may be attributed to Alcman, there is no solid proof and so, unfortunately, we cannot draw any final conclusions about Alcman’s early reception based on the “Hymn to Athena.”