Achille e Aiace che giocano ai dadi: vecchie ipotesi e nuove letture

Among the Greek vases from the Sanctuary for Water Cults in Marzabotto, there is a black-figure band-cup with the subject traditionally described as Achilles and Ajax playing dice. The subject was very popular in Attic pottery and has long been studied. This contribution focuses on some recent researches into the possible meanings conveyed by this iconography. The image on this Marzabotto cup can be interpreted in a new light, also taking into consideration other finds from the same sanctuary. The image on the cup may symbolize cleromantic divination and, at the same time, may refer to ethical and religious values associated with play, significant for self-represen- tation of the social élites. Finally, the subject may also be metaphorically associated with the foundation of Marzabotto in the closing decades of the 6th century BC.