Kottabos

A game of skill in ancient Greece that was particularly popular in the 5th and 4th centuries BC. It was played exclusively by men at symposia (drinking parties). It was described by Aeschylus, Antiphanes, Aristophanes, Euripides and Sophocles, who also played it themselves. Scenes are shown on vases from this period. Lying on the sofa, a few drops of wine had to be thrown in as high an arc as possible towards a bowl (kottabeion) serving as a target. The target had to be hit with an audible clap without spilling a drop. The last sip left in the kantharos after drinking was used for this. There were many variations with different targets such as figures that had to be hit or floating bowls that had to be sunk. Depending on success, this was also associated with a love oracle.

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Kottabos

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