About the book: 2022 / Images of characters on the very famous ancient cup of Arcesilaus are accompanied by inscriptions. These are the so-called “speaking names”. The term is used to indicate the activity or characteristics of the corresponding figure. Some speaking names may be personal or "historical" names. Most of these inscriptions on the Arcesilaus Cup, as well as its place in the broader history of Laconian painted pottery, remain a matter of debate. It is the account of the character whose interpretation of the inscription near whom is most problematic.