In the Middle Ages the most common drinking vessels were made of wood and metal. Different kinds of wooden vessels and simple cups were used daily, whilst the finer wooden cups (called ΓÇÿkousaΓÇÖ), as well as pewter goblets and jugs, were reserved for festivities. The wealthiest people also owned silver vessels. Unlike glass beakers and stoneware tankards, wooden and especially metal vessels are mentioned often in archival sources. Archaeologists rarely find metal vessels in excavations because the valuable metal from broken objects has been reused. Wooden vessels, on the other hand, have been preserved only in the most favourable conditions. However, shards of glass beakers and especially of ceramic vessels - which are worthless when broken - constitute a great part of excavation finds.
