The Art of Wine Flinging: Kylix and Kottabos at the Greek Symposium

Banqueters on ancient Greek vases are commonly shown drinking, singing, and engaged in various forms of entertainment, which included a drinking game known as kottabos. The lecturer and a group of student volunteers experimented with clay and 3D printed replicas of Greek kylix cups to determine their suitability for drinking as well as for playing kottabos. Our experiments proved not only illuminating but also extremely entertaining. Student participants quickly demonstrated their skills and competitive spirit; some reveled in the thrill of victory while others wallowed in the messiness of defeat. The lecture is sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America and the Classics Department of UCSB.