Between 333 and 320 B.C., the orator Lycurgus took over the Athenian economy. Though the exact nature and scope of his post are debatable, it did show his special interest in questions to do with city religion.

In his economic policy, provision was made for grants towards the restoration of religious buildings in Athens - for instance the 'Golden Victories' dedications of Pericles. He also put forward proposals to increase the inflow of precious metals, in the form of dedications at city shrines. Moreover, he funded building programmes of a religious nature - extensions or repairs to temples, for example - and resumption of work on cult buildings when it had been interrupted by cash shortages - as was the case with the Telesterium at Eleusis.

The only changes to festivals ascribable to Lycurgus are the addition of new competitions for musicians and playwrights to the existing programme of festivals. At the Eleusinia, for instance, there was a new horse-race.

Lycurgus may not have tried to change the direction of the Athenians' religious beliefs, but we can see from what remains of his speeches that he was specially interested in supporting minority cults. He also showed tolerance towards the setting up of new cults in Athens: these were mainly supported through the settlement of metics in the area. His religious policy is at all events summed up in his economic measures, which helped not only preserve but strengthen Athens' traditional cults.

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