Kotyle

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The kotyle was a type of drinking vessel commonly used in ancient Greece, typically made from pottery. It was a simple, round cup with a deep bowl, sometimes featuring a small handle or no handle at all. The kotyle was a staple in Greek daily life, found in homes, temples, and symposiums, where it served various social, religious, and practical purposes.

The kotyle was primarily used for drinking wine, which was the beverage of choice in many Greek social contexts. It was often employed during the symposium, a social gathering where men would engage in conversation, philosophy, and entertainment while consuming wine. The kotyle’s relatively small size made it ideal for the controlled consumption of wine, especially in the context of mixing wine with water—an important cultural practice in Greece, as drinking undiluted wine was considered barbaric. The kotyle’s design allowed for easy handling and sipping, contributing to its popularity in these settings.

The kotyle also had a presence in religious ceremonies and rituals. It was sometimes used in offerings to the gods, particularly during libations. The Greeks would pour wine or other liquids from the kotyle as part of sacrifices or prayers, believing that this act would honor deities and ensure their favor. Its use in rituals highlighted its connection to divine offerings and its role in maintaining the relationship between the mortal and the divine.

Anapegraphic Odrysian 405-340 BCE Assos, Troas 400-241 BCE Bizye, Thrace 405-387 BCE Demetrios I, Thrace 4th-3rd cents BCE Hebryzelmis 389-383 BCE Kersebleptes, Thrace 360-341 BCE Kotys I 383-359 BCE Odrysian Uncertain King ‘MN’ 405-340 BCE Philemon 405-340 BCE Uncertain Odrysian 405-340 BCE