The game kottabos, extremely popular in ancient Greece, consisted in splashing the remains of wine from a vessel into a metal bowl in such a way as not to stain the floor with the remains of the drink. In addition, it was appropriate that the sound of the falling drink be as delicate as possible. It was believed that the effectiveness of this game guaranteed a good love life.
In ancient Rome, the game was not so popular. However, the floor was still dirty during banquets with a red liquor. Vitruvius even recommended that special drains be built in the floor of the dining room and that heated coal be laid, which would allow the wine to be drunk through the skin. In addition, he noted that the slaves would not have to walk on the floor with their bare feet, which would prevent them from catching a cold.
