Roman dinner parties Flashcards
What was the Roman name for a dinner party?
Cena
Why was a dinner party important for a paterfamilias?
Way to promote, confirm and show off status and make new business and social contacts
What was the triclinium?
The 3 couch room where the people would eat. This was the lectus imus, lectus medius and lectus summus.
What was the lectus imus?
The low couch where the host family would recline
What was the mensa?
The table
What was the lectus medius?
The middle couch where the high-status guests would recline
What was the lectus summus?
The high couch where the low-status guests would recline
How many courses would there be?
3
What was mulsum?
Wine sweetened with honey
What was had in the 1st course?
Light appetiers like eggs, olives and salads
What was had in the 2nd course?
The main/second course of the dinner party which was usually a selection of meats or fish accompanied by vegetables and different sauces
What was had in the 3rd course?
Fruit, nuts or sweet cakes
How would the host show off during the dinner party?
By serving a variety of foods, recipes and good quality white and red wine
What entertainment was offered after the meal?
Slave girls may dance, play music, perform acrobatics, perform comedy
Gambling games where also played
What would a more intellectual dinner party also have for entertainment?
Poetry recitals, philosophical and literary discussions
