Among the largest and most famous metal kraters in antiquity were one in the possession of the Samian tyrant Polycrates, and another one dedicated by Croesus to the Delphic oracle. Forms Column krater Īccording to most scholars ceramic kraters imitated shapes designed initially for metal vessels these were common in antiquity, but survivals are very rare, as the metal was recyclable. Nevertheless, the ancient writers offer scant details of ancient vinification methods, and therefore this theory, though plausible, remains unsupported by evidence. Such wines would have also withstood time and the vagaries of transportation much better. by using dehydrated grapes, and could withstand dilution with water better. Since such mixtures would produce an unpalatable and watery drink if applied to most wines made in the modern style, this practice of the ancients has led to speculation that ancient wines might have been vinified to a high alcoholic degree and sugar content, e.g. Ancient writers prescribed that a mixing ratio of 1:3 (wine to water) was optimal for long conversation, a ratio of 1:2 when fun was to be had, and 1:1 was really only suited for orgiastic revelry, to be indulged in very rarely, if at all.

Usage ĭrinking ákratos (undiluted) wine was considered a severe faux pas (misstep, wrongdoing) in ancient Greece, enough to characterize the drinker as a drunkard and someone who lacked restraint and principle. This object was found among other funeral objects, and its exterior depicted a funeral procession to the gravesite. The exterior of kraters often depicted scenes from Greek life, such as the Attic Late 1 Krater, which was made between 760 and 735 B.C.E. Kraters were glazed on the interior to make the surface of the clay more impervious for holding water, and possibly for aesthetic reasons, since the interior could easily be seen. The modern Greek word now used for undiluted wine, krasi (κρασί), originates from the krasis ( κράσις, i.e., mixing) of wine and water in kraters.

In fact, Homer's Odyssey describes a steward drawing wine from a krater at a banquet and then running to and fro pouring the wine into guests' drinking cups.

Thus, the wine-water mixture would be withdrawn from the krater with other vessels, such as a kyathos (pl. They were quite large, so they were not easily portable when filled. At a Greek symposium, kraters were placed in the center of the room.

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