A Roman oil bottle (aryballos) with a bronze chain dated to the 1st-2nd century AD as well as strigil set on a ring dated to the 1st century AD.
“A Roman Athlete Used These Objects Before and After Exercise.
The colorful blown-glass bottle held olive oil to lubricate his skin before the workout. Because the oil was expensive, athletes only carried a small amount. The narrow neck makes it nearly spill proof, allowing only a few drops of the valuable liquid to be dispensed at a time.
After exercising, the athlete used the scrapers to remove the oil, dust, and sweat from his body. This mixture was collected at the gymnasium and sold to people who believed it would give them the health and strength of athletes.” Per the Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit, Michigan, USA, where this is on display.
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