Kottabos

Kottabos

A kylix used in kottabos games

Kottabos was a popular game played by the ancient Greeks, particularly during symposia, which were social gatherings for drinking and intellectual conversation. The game involved skillfully tossing the dregs of wine from a kylix, a type of drinking cup, at a target. It was both a test of dexterity and a form of entertainment.

Origins and History

Kottabos originated in Sicily and spread throughout the Greek world, becoming especially popular in Athens during the 5th and 4th centuries BCE. The game was often played at symposia, where participants would recline on couches and engage in various forms of entertainment, including music, poetry, and games like kottabos.

Gameplay

A depiction of a kottabos player

The objective of kottabos was to fling the remaining wine from one's kylix at a target, which could be a small disc or a larger vessel. The player would hold the kylix by its handle, swirl the wine dregs, and then flick the wrist to send the liquid flying. The most common target was a small disc balanced on a tall stand, known as a "cylix." The goal was to knock the disc off the stand or to hit a larger target with precision.

Variations

There were several variations of kottabos, each with its own rules and objectives. In one version, players aimed to sink small dishes floating in a basin of water. Another variation involved hitting a target suspended in the air. The game required not only skill but also a degree of luck, as the wine dregs could be unpredictable in their flight.

Cultural Significance

Kottabos was more than just a game; it was a social activity that reflected the values and customs of Greek society. It was often accompanied by toasts and dedications to the gods or to one's beloved. The game was a way to demonstrate one's skill and dexterity, and successful players were often celebrated for their prowess.

Artistic Depictions

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A symposium scene with kottabos players

Kottabos was frequently depicted in Greek art, particularly on Attic red-figure pottery. These depictions provide valuable insights into the social and cultural context of the game. Scenes of kottabos players can be found on kylixes, kraters, and other vessels used during symposia.

Decline

The popularity of kottabos declined with the rise of the Roman Empire, as Roman customs and games began to replace those of the Greeks. However, the game remains an interesting example of ancient Greek leisure activities and their emphasis on skill and social interaction.

Related Pages

• Symposium
• Ancient Greek pottery
• Ancient Greek culture

A kottabos player depicted on a kylix

Gallery

• A woman playing kottabos, depicted on a plate