Dinner Parties + The Menu

Question 1

cenae

Answer 1

Dinner parties

Question 2

Most Romans

Answer 2

Didn’t have the means to feast lavishly

Question 3

Why done?

Answer 3

Important social occasion for upper classes

paterfamilias got to entertain friends and impress contact (had to invite clients)

Question 4

Describe cena

Answer 4

Began at 9th hour

Ate in triclinium (three couch room)

Seating plan was a social statement (lay forward with left arm supporting weight. Held plate in left hand, used right hand to eat. Mainly fingers, sometimes spoons and knives. Food taken from central table)

Slave announced guests, refilled central table, poured wine and offered basins of water

Question 5

How many courses?

Answer 5

3

Gustatio, cena, secundae mensae

Question 6

Gustatio

Answer 6

Light appetisers

Eggs, olives, salad-vegetables

Followed by mulsum (wine sweetened with honey)

Question 7

cena proper

Answer 7

Single meat or fish dish (or vegetables)

More expensive dinners might have a variety of courses with different meats

Question 8

secundae mensae

Answer 8

Fruits, nuts, sweet cakes

Question 9

synthesis

Answer 9

Formal evening clothes worn by diners