Tiri di dadi e malaffare (Poll. 7. 201-205): la nozione del gioco d'azzardo tra cultura ed antropologia

Salvatore Costanza

Abstract:

Ancient classical culture usually links gambling (kubéia) with houses of ill repute (skiraphéia) and people involved in malfeasance. It is important to examine this notion according to a major lexicographic source such as Julius Pollux. In the 7th Book of his Onomasticon, a thematic dictionary, he purposely devotes a full section to prostitution (pornéia) and gambling (§ 201-205). Literary sources enhance this close association, such as Diphilus' Synoris, where a hetaera plays dice with a parasite. In sum, Pollux allows us to discover a world of night-time pleasures where young Athenians played dice and spent their time with beautiful creatures of the underworld.