Models of Astragaloi from the Demeter and Kore Sanctuary on Acrocorinth

The paper discusses twelve ancient Greek models of astragaloi from the Demeter Sanctuary at Corinth, six made of terracotta and six in bronze. Models of astragaloi in diverse materials and sizes were dedicated in sanctuaries to various deities, for example: one in lead from a shrine in the Rachi settlement at Isthmia; various in bronze and glass from the Kabirion sanctuary in Thebes; and others in bronze, glass and marble from the Corycian cave on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Since there is no documentation suggesting that the Demeter Sanctuary at Corinth was oracular, nor is there a clear fit between the weight of the astragaloi-shaped bronze models and the standard measure used in Classical Corinth (ca. 412.50 g.), or even smaller units of volume, to suggest they are weights, it is safe to assume that the models are associated with games. This assumption is further supported by ample evidence from the Sanctuary’s other offerings that suggests they were dedicated by youths or women and were related to the end of childhood.