Dinos facts for kids
A dinos (say "DYE-nos") was a special kind of mixing bowl used in Ancient Greece. It was a large, round pot, a bit like a cauldron, that sat on a separate stand. Unlike many other ancient Greek pots, a dinos had no handles and no feet of its own. The word dinos actually means "drinking cup," but today we use it to describe this specific mixing bowl shape, which is also sometimes called a lebes.
What was a Dinos used for?
Ancient Greeks used dinoi mainly for mixing water and wine. It was considered polite to mix wine with water before drinking it. People rarely drank wine straight from the goblet. The dinos was perfect for preparing this popular drink for gatherings and parties.
Who made the Dinos?
Many skilled artists created these beautiful pots. One famous artist is even known as the Dinos Painter. This artist got their name because they were especially good at decorating dinoi. Their work helps us learn a lot about ancient Greek art and daily life.
More about Ancient Greek Pottery
- Dinos of the Gorgon Painter: Learn about another famous dinos made by a different artist.
- Ancient Greek vase painting: Discover how artists decorated these pots with amazing pictures and stories.
- Pottery of ancient Greece: Find out more about all the different kinds of pottery made in ancient Greece.
