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Wining and Dining in Ancient Greece Ancient Greeks typically ate two meals a day. For members of the middle and upper classes, these were prepared and served by slaves under supervision of the female head of a household. Men ate in the home's dining room, or andron. Women ate elsewhere in the house or at the homes of friends or relatives. All of the pots that were used at the table might be decorated, but particular attention was paid to those vessels associated with wine. The basic shapes of ceramic wine cups reflect more elegant versions in metal. They were often decorated with figural representations or other patterns; even the most simple black vessels shine like silver. Wine was drunk in the evening, usually after a meal, mixed with water and sometimes with flavorings. A drinking party was called a symposium - while some symposia were the scenes of learned philosophical discussions, they could also be rowdy occasions with hired performers and other entertainment. The great variety of cups and vessels on display here is a reflection of the Greeks' desire to conform to ever-changing fashions in this public display of wealth, prestige, and taste. Oil was an important staple for the Greeks, who used olive, sesame, fish, and vegetable oils. Oil was mixed with wheat and barley to create meals rich in fat and carbohydrates. It was used in lamps, in religious offerings, and even as medicine. Olive oil could also be a prize for victory in athletic contests, or a dedication to the gods or to the dead. Instead of using water to bathe, Greeks covered themselves with oil and scraped it off with a metal squeegee called a strigil: the dirt came off with the oil, leaving the skin cleansed and moisturized. Scented oil might serve as a replacement for more exotic and expensive counterparts such as frankincense and cinnamon from Egypt and Arabia. While the majority of oil was probably consumed locally, the finest quality was exported as a luxury item. It is possible to view the export of fine oil throughout the Mediterranean as equivalent to modern day export of vintage wines. Oil flasks came in many sizes and shapes: the examples here demonstrate almost as much variation as the vessels associated with wine. |
Wining and Dining • the symposium in Greek society • cooking in ancient Athens Artifacts from CU related to Wining and Dining • 2006.17.T, Mycenaean squat jar
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