Achaemenid Phiale Mesomphalos, 5th Century BC
A large silver phiale mesomphalos with remains of erased inscription around the inside of the rim, intersecting bulbous petals to the base, and to the centre a central boss.
Phiale Mesamphalos were the most popular form of drinking vessels and were produced in a number of materials, from clay through to silver and gold. They were used in banquets held by the nobility, but were also used to pour libations at religious festivals. They were a common gift from the king to the nobility which helped cement alliances among the different tribes of the Empire. They were also used as diplomatic gifts to visiting dignitaries and they were extremely popular in the kingdom of Macedonia where they were used for purely religious purposes. The central boss to the underside allowed the person using it to secure the fingers so that it did not slip whilst drinking from it.