Attic Black-Figure Dinos and Stand (Mouth)

Ancient Greeks diluted their wine with water, and a large mixing bowl would have been a central component for any symposium. On this black-figure dinos, a battle rages around the top of the rim, evoking the heroic exploits of mythical warriors. Groups of foot soldiers (hoplites), archers and a single cavalryman clash amidst chariot teams.



On the interior of the rim, four ships travel across the sea under full sail. When the vessel was full, they would have appeared to be journeying over the water. Beyond providing an appealing visual effect, the motif offers a lesson for the symposiasts. Just as boats could be shipwrecked by stormy seas, so drinkers could get wrecked by drinking too much wine. Moderate and steady consumption was the way to guarantee an evening’s smooth sailing.



This dinos was discovered in 1873 in a tomb at Capua, an Etruscan settlement just north of Naples, where it had been repurposed as an urn for ashes. The ancient stand is not original to the bowl, and must have been associated either in antiquity or after its discovery.