Diskos

Diskos is a term rooted in the Greek word diskos, meaning a disk or plate. In English-language scholarship it is used as a descriptive label for flat, circular objects found in a variety of cultures and periods. The word is not tied to a single object or function, but rather to form: round, planar items that can be made from diverse materials.

Diskoi are typically characterized by their circular shape and flat form. They can vary widely in size, from small decorative discs to larger ritual or ceremonial pieces. Materials used for diskos include ceramic, metal, stone, bone, glass, wood, and other substances. Decorations range from plain surfaces to incised patterns, painting, inlay, or inscriptions, depending on cultural context and age.

In archaeology and art history, diskos serves as a generic descriptor for a class of round objects found in artifacts, architecture, or personal equipment. The specific interpretation of a diskos—whether ceremonial, utilitarian, or symbolic—depends on the context in which it is found, including its dating, location, and associated objects. Because diskos is a descriptive term rather than a clearly defined object, researchers use it to group similarly shaped items across diverse cultures.

See also: Disc (geometry); Disc (disambiguation); Token (disambiguation).