Kottabos facts for kids

A player of Kottabos around 510 BC

Kottabos was a fun party game played at ancient Greek parties called symposia. It was very popular in Ancient Greece during the 400s and 300s BC. People in Etruria, an ancient region in Italy, also enjoyed playing Kottabos.

The game involved players flicking a small amount of wine from their drinking cups. They would aim this wine at different targets. Often, a player would say the name of someone they admired or had a crush on while playing.

The game likely started in Sicily, a large island near Italy. From there, it spread across the entire Greek world. Many famous Greek poets wrote about Kottabos in their works. However, by the time of the Roman Empire and the era of Alexander the Great, the game was no longer played. It is not even mentioned in any ancient Latin writings.

What Was Kottabos?

Kottabos was more than just a game; it was a common activity at Greek symposia. These symposia were gatherings where men would drink, talk, and enjoy entertainment. Kottabos added an exciting and playful element to these parties. It showed off a player's skill and aim.

How to Play Kottabos

Playing Kottabos involved a special technique. Players would hold their drinking cup, called a kylix, by one handle. They would then quickly flick their wrist, sending a splash of wine towards a target. The goal was to hit the target with the wine. Sometimes, the targets were small bronze discs placed on a stand. Other times, they might have been small bowls floating in water. Hitting the target successfully was a sign of good aim and coordination.

History of Kottabos

Kottabos became very popular in the 5th and 4th centuries BC. It was a favorite pastime in many Greek cities. Evidence of the game has been found in different parts of the Greek world, showing how widely it was played. Many ancient Greek writers, like the playwright Euripides, mentioned Kottabos in their plays and poems. This shows how much a part of daily life and culture the game was. However, as time went on, the game slowly faded away. By the time the Roman Empire became powerful, Kottabos was no longer played or remembered.

Images for kids

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  Attic red-figure psykter, by Euphronios, ca. 520 BC.

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  Symposium scene with kottabos player (center). Fresco from the Tomb of the Diver, 475 BC. Paestum National Museum, Italy.

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  Kottabos player; red-figure Attic kylix; Louvre