The price of wine appears to have been marvellously low. It is said to have varied from sixpence per gallon down to threepence for ten gallons;[167] but, of course, it is difficult to form a correct estimate in this respect without comparing its price with that of bread or some other article of regular consumption, and ascertaining what were the rates of remuneration in trades and handicrafts. The strongest proof of the large consumption of wine is, however, to be found in the number and variety of the drinking vessels which were employed in Greece and Rome. The most common were the _calix_, a flat vase-shaped cup with one handle, and the _rhyton_, a horn-shaped vessel. Originally the latter was the horn of an animal, which appears to have been the first drinking vessel of most nations, but gradually the _rhyton_ assumed various ornamental shapes, such as the head of a bull or greyhound, either made altogether of earthenware, or surmounted with an open receptacle of chased gold or silver, and provided with a handle. But besides these, the names of the drinking vessels were legion. Athenæus describes a vast number with great minuteness.[168] Some were of precious metal, others of crystal, wood, horn, or earthenware; some of ordinary dimensions, and others again were enormous as, for example, the elephant:— “’Tis a mighty cup, Pregnant with double springs of rosy wine, And able to contain three ample measures, The work of Alcon. When I was at Cypseli, Adæus pledged me in this self-same cup.”[169]