Symposia: When ancient Greeks got drunk and argued about philosophy

Historians date the earliest develop of the symposium to the early Archaic period in Greece, around the 7th century BCE.

These original gatherings were probably simple drinking parties or social gatherings involving eating together as a community.

By the 6th century BCE, they had become a key fixture in the lives of the Greek elite. For the participants, the symposium was an opportunity to build and strengthen social networks.

By bringing together influential individuals, it reinforced social hierarchies and alliances. 

Due to its increased importance, the symposium also became a way to educate and initiate young men into the values and traditions of their society.

At these events, older and more experienced members of the community were expected to impart practical guidance to the younger participants.

This kind of mentorship helped maintain the continuity of certain cultural traditions.  

The symposium typically took place in the men's dining room of a wealthy Greek household, known as the andron. This room was designed specifically for these gatherings, with couches arranged around the perimeter for guests to recline while eating and drinking.

In Athens, many androns were elaborately decorated with mosaics and paintings, as a way of demonstrating the host's wealth and taste.

The layout of the andron was designed to specifically facilitate conversation and interaction among the participants. 

To begin, the symposium usually started with a meal called the deipnon. During this part of the evening, guests enjoyed a variety of foods, often served on small tables placed in front of each couch.

Common foods included olives, cheeses, and bread, accompanied by more elaborate dishes such as roasted meats and fish.

In many gatherings, the quality and diversity of the food reflected the status and generosity of the host.  

Following the meal, the focus shifted to drinking, which was the central activity of the symposium. In the middle of the room, a large mixing bowl, or krater, was used to mix wine with water.

This practice distinguished Greek drinking customs from those of their neighbors, who often drank wine undiluted.

Consequently, the careful mixing of wine was considered a mark of civilization and moderation. 

Greek symposia typically featured wines from renowned regions like Chios, Lesbos, and Thasos. These wines were often flavored with herbs and spices to enhance their taste.

Besides wine, the symposium included other beverages like kykeon, a mixed drink made from barley, water, and herbs.

This variety of drinks provided guests with different options to suit their preferences and added to the overall enjoyment of the evening. 

For entertainment, musicians and entertainers performed for the guests. Sometimes, professional musicians were hired, while at other times, guests themselves would sing or recite poetry themselves.

Philosophers like Socrates often used these occasions to engage others in stimulating debates. Additionally, the symposium included a range of desserts and after-dinner treats.

Fruits such as figs, grapes, and pomegranates were common, along with honey cakes and pastries. The setting of the symposium, with its intimate and relaxed environment, encouraged open exchange of ideas. 

Participants in the symposium were typically drawn from the male aristocracy of Greek society. These gatherings included influential figures such as politicians, philosophers, and wealthy landowners.

In Athens, notable individuals like Pericles and Alcibiades attended symposia to discuss politics. By participating in these events, they reinforced their social status and built important networks.

The exclusion of women, except for entertainers and courtesans, was an unfortunate part of the male-dominated nature of wider Athenian culture. 

As mentioned before, musicians, dancers, and courtesans provided amusement and diversion for the guests. Among them, the hetairai, or courtesans, were often highly educated and skilled in conversation.

Figures like Aspasia, the companion of Pericles, were known for their intelligence and wit at such events. Consequently, these women would have the freedom to engage in the intellectual discussions, which was denied to almost all other women. 

Unlike modern parties, the symposium had a religious element, which included a series of rituals that established a formal tone.

One of the initial acts was the libation. This ritual, called the spondai, involved a ceremonial pouring of wine mixed with water onto the ground or an altar in honor of the gods.

It was thought that by doing this, the attendees would receive divine favor and protection for the evening. Guests would then enjoy the performances of the musicians and dancers.

In particular, they engaged in kottabos, a popular game where players flicked the dregs of their wine at a target.  

Then, the symposium concluded with a final round of libations and songs. Renowned poets and aspiring writers alike shared their works, sometimes improvising verses on the spot.

At times, the guests themselves participated in singing skolia, drinking songs that were passed around the room in a competitive manner.

By taking turns, each guest added their own verses, blending wit and creativity. Finally, the event ended with a toast to health and prosperity.  

The most important person at these events was known as the symposiarch. This individual, who was often chosen by the host or elected by the guests, was responsible for maintaining order and ensuring the evening proceeded smoothly.

In Athenian society, the symposiarch's duties included regulating the mixing of wine and overseeing the sequence of events.  

One of the primary tasks of the symposiarch was to determine the ratio of wine to water in the krater. This decision impacted the overall mood and tone of the symposium.

Too much wine could lead to excessive drunkenness, while too little might stifle the evening's convivial spirit. In addition to managing the wine, the symposiarch directed the various activities and entertainments.

Whether it was initiating a round of skolia or coordinating the performances of musicians and dancers, this role required both organizational skills and a sense of timing.  

Moreover, the symposiarch had the authority to resolve any disputes that arose during the symposium. If disagreements or conflicts occurred, it was the symposiarch's responsibility to mediate and restore order.

This role required diplomacy and a firm hand, as maintaining the peace was essential for the success of the symposium.

Consequently, the symposiarch was often someone respected and trusted by the other participants.