In reality they were often wild and raucous affairs, especially if the wine was flowing freely. The evening was overseen by a symposiarch, a master of ceremonies, who would decide the strength of the wine to be served that evening.Ĭonceptually the symposium enabled male citizens of respectable families to engage with peers, celebrate boys gaining status of adult malehood and to discuss a wide range of subjects from politics to philosophy. Literally meaning companion and most closely conveyed by the word courtesan, hetairai were highly-educated and cultivated women who enjoyed some freedoms and privileges beyond the sphere of many ancient Greek women. The event itself was usually held in the andron, the men’s quarters of the household, and only males were invited as guests, although as can be seen on this scene women participated in other roles, as servants, performers and as hetairai. As well as being a common scene in Greek art, such as on this krater. The format and content of the symposium is well documented, featuring often in Greek literature including Plato’s Symposium, Xenophon’s Symposium and a number of Socratic dialogues.
From the Greek word συμπίνειν meaning 'to drink together' it was an event held after a banquet, usually after the consumption of food, whereby the host and guests would drink wine for pleasure, reclining on couches, accompanied by conversation, music, dancing and recitation.
The symposium was a ritualised event in ancient Greece.
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