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Parties in Ancient Greece were wild, with copious amounts of alcohol and sex. This is a popular idea that is still alive today.
But at that time there were different types of parties. Not all of them drank a lot of alcohol and debauchery. Some of them were distinguished by moderate eating and drinking, as well as intellectual conversations.
So what really happened on these parties? And how exactly do you have fun like the ancient Greek?
Different strokes for different people
Ancient Greek historian Idomeneo of Lampsacus (4th–3rd centuries BC) tells us that the Greeks started partying in the 6th century BC. He said that it was then that two members of the ruling class of Athens started the trend: “Hippias and Hipparchus invented parties and wandered the streets drunk; that is why they were surrounded by a large number of horses and many friends.”
Greek writer Athenaeus (2nd century AD) provided more evidence for the role of alcohol in parties. He wrote The Greek-Macedonian nobleman Proteus (4th–3rd centuries BC) declared at a party he once attended: “He who drinks the most will be the happiest.”
There was also evidence of sexual debauchery at parties. Sex scenes at parties between male guests and prostitutes or women are depicted on numerous vases.
Other parties were considered a good place to discuss ideas with friends. In fact, some of the greatest works ancient greek philosophy supposedly come from intellectual conversations at parties.
For example, in Plato's Republic (written around 380 BC), an intellectual debate about the nature of justice takes place at a party given at the home of a wealthy man named Cephalus.
Buddy, you should have been there
There is one detailed eyewitness account parties from the ancient Greek world. Hippolochus of Macedon (4th–3rd centuries BC) left behind a letter containing a detailed description of a party he attended.
It was wedding party Karan, a wealthy Macedonian nobleman. There were 20 guests, all men. The walls of the room are draped with white linen curtains, and the room is filled with sofas. When guests enter, they receive many gifts and lie down on the sofas instead of standing up. and start drinking from bowls:
As soon as they lay down, each of them was given a silver libation cup for safekeeping. Even before they entered, he adorned them all with golden tiaras, each worth five gold coins. After they had drunk the contents of their libation cups, they were each given a loaf of bread on a Corinthian bronze dish (the loaf was the same size as the dish).
After the guests receive more gifts, a prominent member of the group makes a toast. By this time, says Hippolochus, “we had already safely escaped sobriety“
The next stage of the party involves musical entertainment: “Several trumpeters, singers and Rhodian harpists entered – they seemed to me naked, although some of the guests claimed that they were in tunics – and, having played a prelude, they left again. After them came in other girls, each with two bottles of perfume, one of gold, the other of silver. […] and they gave us all a pair.”
After this comes the first main course. They bring a “huge roast pig.” More gifts follow: baskets and bread trays made from strips of woven ivory, as well as garlands of flowers and an extra pair of gold and silver. nesmoke flasks.
These gifts were followed by more performances, including naked female acrobats “who performed somersaults between swords and blew fire from their mouths.”
As the drinking continued, a choir of 100 men began singing a wedding hymn. Then there was more dancing girlsfollowed by “clown Mandrogen [… who] repeatedly made us laugh; after that he danced with his wife, who was over 80 years old.”
The party ends with the guests getting drunk with wine and drinks and being surprised by the expensive gifts they received:
Finally the afternoon tables arrived and everyone was given […] snacks in ivory baskets, and cakes of all kinds […] along with special cake containers for each. After that we got up and left.
Hippolochus does not mention that the guests at this party played games. However, some parties included games such as kottabos. This involved throwing leftover wine at targets on top of pillars to try to knock them down.
Some ideas for your next party
Now you have a plan your next partydoes it have bowls of alcohol, generous gifts gold and silver, naked fire-breathing acrobats or intellectual conversation.
Just remember one rule: absolutely not. dresses. The ancient Greeks would have raised an eyebrow – and then sent you to Rome.
The Greeks wore chiton (a type of tunic) and himation (a robe or cape, sometimes worn over a chiton). None of it looked like a sheet.
