Classical Studies 1000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Komos, Symposium, Tyrant

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 1000
• Professor: Robert Stanley Brown

Document Summary

Symposium symposion dining together": a feature of commensality (dining together) The drinking together" (symposion) was separated from the meal (deipnon) before it, and became the focus of attention: part of a much larger picture. The male participants wore garlands woven wreaths of vegetation; often ivy which was sacred to dionysus. Libations and prayers began and ended the proceedings can be any fluid; refers to pouring a bit of liquid onto the ground of the gods acknowledgment of divinity. The symposiasts reclined in their left elbows (one or two to a couch) If wanted to be serious would send girls away and talk philosophy. If really wanted to get drunk, would get drunk less water to cut wine. The symposium ended with a procession through the streets (komos) demonstrated the solidarity and power of the group. Symposium as an aristocratic institution (in origin: an aristocratic activity based on the warrior group.