Red-figure kylix

The surface of this red-figure kylix, dated in 490 – 480 BC, is decorated with symposium scenes. The outer surface depicts some happy banqueters drinking wine and playing with their wine cups. In the interior, a naked young man is depicted filling his cup with wine from a large krater in which the ancient Greeks mixed their wine with water.

The symposium was an important social institution for men in Greek Antiquity. The participants, called symposiasts, were usually members of the aristocracy. They were supposed to avoid excessive alcohol consumption so as to be able to discuss political and philosophical issues, or to recite poetry. Such events strengthened the bonds between the participants and sealed political and commercial alliances.