Dinner Parties Flashcards
(7 cards)
What was the importance of the cena?
Dinner parties were important social occasions where rich Romans would entertain guests with food & drink.
Opportunity to show off one’s wealth & social status.
What was the seating arrangement at Roman dinner parties?
The host & his guests would sit in the triclinium (a room with 3 couches, each seating 3 people).
Medius (middle) couch: most important guests.
Others were seated by order of seniority.
What was the first course of a Roman cena?
The Gustatio (starter).
Salad, olives, mushrooms.
Followed by a drink of muslum (cross between wine & honey).
What was the second course of a Roman cena?
The Mensae Primae (main course).
Up to 7 dishes.
Meat/fish/poulty + sauce + vegetables.
Accompanied with lots of wine (staple of Roman civilisation).
What happened at the end of the main course at a Roman dinner party?
The host would make offerings to the Lares (household gods) - this made sure that the gods could take part in the meal too.
What was the final course of a Roman cena?
The slaves replaced the tables before the Mensae Secundae (dessert).
Cake, fruit, nuts.
What would happen during/after the cena?
During and after the cena, professional musicians would perform for the guests.
A comissatio (drinking party) may be held after the dinner.
