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Symposium
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In the evening the richer men would meet for a drinking party known as a symposium. There would be between 7 and 15 guests. They would lie down on couches. Often they decorated their heads with flowers.
For food there might be fish and meat, vegetables, and bread made from wheat. This was much better than the normal diet of barley bread and olive oil. Wine was always drunk mixed with water. The finest Greek pottery was used at the symposium.
Later in the evening there would be music and dancing. The guests would compete with each other in singing or playing the lyre. They might also recite poetry. One game, called kottabos, involved flicking wine from a cup at a target.
(A) CONVERSATION
Greeks enjoyed good conversation. The symposium was a good place to meet new and interesting people or keep up with old friends.
(B) DANCER
Dancers were usually foreigners or slaves. No Athenian woman would be allowed to appear in public like this.
(C) SERVING SLAVES
Slaves served the food and wine. Slaves also provided music on pipes.
(D) HETAIRA
A hetaira was a girl companion provided at the symposium. Many were very well educated, able to read and play music.
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Previous:
Back
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Book:
The Greeks
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Section:
Spotlight on Ancient Greeks
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Chapter:
Symposium
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