Database: Symposium

The , which means "drink together", was a social institution of importance in Ancient Greece. It was held by small, exclusive groups in an entertaining room (named ),where guests wearing garlands performed libations and prayers at the opening and ending of the event. They reclined on one or two couches (known as ) arranged around the sides of the room. Low tables for food were set in front of the couches. These drinking parties took place after meals, and were sometimes accompanied by music and dance. Professional entertainers and even courtesans were every so often a part of the party. Sometimes, biscuits were sprinkled with salt and served during the symposium to stimulate or sustain guests' thirst so they could drink more. The wine was placed in a or mixing bowl in the middle of the room. It could be cooled by a or wine-cooler, which was filled with wine and placed inside the krater full of cold water. Then, it was served with an or an (types of jugs) and drunk from cups such as or . At the end of party, a procession might be held in the streets to attest to the unity and strength of the group.
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