Aryballos
/ˌærɪˈbælɒs/noun
A small, usually round ancient Greek vessel used chiefly for storing oil or perfume.
Did you know?Aryballoi were commonly depicted in Greek art as athletic equipment, linking fragrance and oil with the ritualized culture of the gymnasium.
Etymological Timeline
Archaic Greek
Ancient Greek
ἀρύβαλλος (aryballos)
“A small, round flask or vessel; the precise origin of the name is uncertain.”
6th Century BCE
Greek
aryballos
“A compact ceramic container, especially associated with perfumed oil and athletic use.”
Classical Greek
Ancient Greek
ἀρύβαλλος
“A small oil flask, often with a narrow neck and a rounded body.”
19th Century
English
aryballos
“An archaeological term adopted into English for the characteristic ancient Greek vessel.”
Modern English
English
aryballos
“A small ancient Greek flask, typically globular and used for oil or perfume.”