Sometimes this would be held with family but often the Romans would throw dinner parties where patrons would entertain clients and other guests.
Meals took place in the triclinium - larger houses would have one indoors and outdoors.
Evening dress was the synthesis - a long loose fitting gown with embroidered decoration for the wealthy.
Three couches would be laid out around a central table.
But other tables could be set up to display later courses or to seat less privileged clients.
The host would be sat next to the most important guest.
The couches were covered in soft mattresses and divided by cushions.
Diners adopted a reclining position, lying forward with their left arm supported by the cushion.
They took food from the centre of the room.
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Food
A standard cena would have three courses:
Gustatio: a selection of light appetisers, such as eggs, olives (or more elaborate items in grander banquets. This was followed by muslum (wine+honey).
Cena proper: simpler meals had simple meat or fish served, but in grander banquets, successive dishes had different meats.
Secundae mensae: this was dessert and usually consisted of fruit, nuts or simple sweet cakes.
Some sources suggest dinners could be simplistic affairs however some richer Romans put on extravagant meals for guests but this would have been expensive.
At some dinner parties, the food received would depend on your status as a client.
Pliny the Younger writes how one patron organised the cena:
"He and a chosen few received the best food; the rest got cheap bits and pieces. The wine for 'less important friends' is worse than dishwater. He dresses his fish in the finest oil; you get oil reeking of the lamp!"
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Entertainment
Roman cena's could lead on to a commisato or drinking party.
A Rex Convivii (master of ceremonies) decided when to drink and what proportions of wine and water should be used in the cratera (mixing bowl).
While guests drank, slaves would perform.
Dancing slaves were popular with those with less 'elevated tastes', although traditional Romans hated dancing and felt it was something a Roman citizen should never do.
Intellectual dinner parties could include poetry recitals and conversation.
Dice games and gambling were also a popular form of entertainment at the commisato.
These forms of entertainment could go on past midnight before guests were accompanied by a slave back to their homes.
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