"Kottabos was a game of skill played at Ancient Greek and Etruscan symposia (drinking parties), especially in the 6th and 5th centuries BC."
A drinking game where participants would try and flick wine from a cup into a target.
Origins of Kottabos: The historical background and early origins of the game, including its significance in ancient Greek society.
Game rules and regulations: An overview of the rules of Kottabos, including how the game was played, how points were scored, and what equipment was required.
Techniques and strategies: Different strategies that were used by players to excel in the game of Kottabos, including a breakdown of the various techniques used to accurately toss the disc.
Historical context: A look at the broader socio-economic and political context of Ancient Greek society, and the role that sport and games played in this context.
Role of women: The role of women in Ancient Greek Kottabos, including their participation in the game and their place in society.
Influence on contemporary culture: The impact of Ancient Greek Kottabos on contemporary sports and culture, including its legacy and influence on later games and sports.
Comparative analysis: A comparison of Kottabos with other ancient games and sports, including the similarities and differences in rules, gameplay, and cultural significance.
Archaeological finds: A discussion of the archaeological evidence that has been uncovered relating to Kottabos, including images, artifacts, and other physical remains.
Modern adaptations: A look at the various ways that Kottabos has been reinterpreted or adapted in modern times, including new rules and variations on the traditional game.
Narrative literature: Analysis of Ancient Greek literature and poetry, including references to Kottabos and other sports/games, and the way they were depicted in these works.
Kottabos with dice: This version of the game involved rolling dice and using the numbers to determine which player had to make the toss.
Kottabos with saucers: In this version, saucers were used instead of cups, and players had to toss the saucers at a target.
Kottabos with coins: Coins were used as the projectile in this version of the game, and players had to toss them at a target.
Kottabos with nuts: Nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, were used as the projectile in this variation. Players had to toss the nuts and try to knock over a cup or saucer.
Kottabos with figs: Figs were used as projectiles in this version of the game. Players had to toss the figs into a bowl of water and try to make them float.
Kottabos with beans: The game involved tossing beans into a target, such as a bowl, and the player with the most successful tosses won.
Kottabos with bread: Bread was soaked in wine and tossed at a target. The player who hit the target with the most pieces of bread won.
"Kottabos was customary, and, at least in Sicily, special circular buildings were established, so the players might easily be arranged around the target, and follow each other in rapid succession."
"The winner would receive a prize (κοττάβιον or 'kottabion'), comprising cakes, sweetmeats, or kisses."
"Ancient writers, including Dionysius Chalcus, Alcaeus, Anacreon, Pindar, Bacchylides, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, and Antiphanes, make frequent and familiar allusion to the practice."
"Dexterity was required to succeed in the game, and unusual ability was rated as highly as corresponding excellence in throwing the javelin."
"Like all games in which the element of chance found a place, it was regarded as more or less ominous of the future success of the players, especially in matters of love."
"References to the practice by the writers of the Roman and Alexandrian periods show that the fashion had died out."
"It is depicted on contemporaneous red-figure vases."
"The stake in the game was often a servant attending the symposium with the players."
N/A.
"...especially in the 6th and 5th centuries BC."
N/A.
"Yes, it involved flinging wine-lees (sediment) at a target in the middle of the room."
"Special circular buildings were established, so the players might easily be arranged around the target, and follow each other in rapid succession."
"In Latin literature, it is almost entirely unknown."
"The winner would receive a prize (κοττάβιον or 'kottabion'), comprising cakes, sweetmeats, or kisses."
"...unusual ability was rated as highly as corresponding excellence in throwing the javelin."
"The excitement was sometimes further augmented by some object of value being staked on the event."
"Like all games in which the element of chance found a place, it was regarded as more or less ominous of the future success of the players."
"...especially in matters of love."