Another type of official resolution was the honorary decree – with which the State honoured Athenian citizens or foreigners who had provided services or had otherwise benefitted the city.

The setting up of a decree on the Acropolis was in itself a great honour, as the lauded actions of the honoree, his personal importance and that of his family were commemorated in the most sacred place of the city.

Honorary decrees were accompanied by scenes in sculpted relief that usually depicted the honoree with the patron deity or symbols of his city.