The story figured on the front of the vase is not recorded in extant literature, and our knowledge of it is gathered only from works art, chiefly vases. The ingenious hero Palamedes (this we do know from poets) invented various games to while away the long hours at Aulis; one day at Troy the two chief champions of Greeks, Achilles and Ajax, became so absorbed in their board-game that they did not hear the alarm, and before they looked up the Trojans were in Achaean camp.

Exekias gives the two principal figures only. Achilles and Ajax, seated on the right side of the table, are identified by inscriptions of their names. They are playing a game, a sort of back-gammon, combining skill with chance. As can be seen in inscriptions which come of their mouths, they are calling out their scores: Achilles says tessara, four, Ajax says tria, three. Both heroes are on duty, ready armed, holding a pair of spears, dressed in short chiton, leather corset, greaves, and richly ornamented cloak. The shields lean behind them; Achilles wears his Corinthian helmet, Ajax’s is laid on top of his shield. Ajax has a longer beard than the younger Achilles.

In this picture, with its profusion of minute incised detail in hair, armor, and mantles, the black-figure technique reaches its acme, or even passes it. This famous amphora, signed by Exekias as both potter and painter, well deserves to be numbered among the masterpieces of Greek art.

Inscriptions: to left of Achilles’ helmet: Αχιλλεος, retr.; from near Achilles’ mouth: τεσσαρα; to left of Ajax’ mouth: τρια, retr.; above Ajax’ head: Αιαντος, retr.; to right of Ajax’ back: Ονετ̣οριδες κ̣αλος.