CLA402H1 Study Guide - Odysseus, Symposium, Homer
Document Summary
Van wees - the princes at dinner: diners belong to a wealthy elite of princes, called basileis. They are exempt from work other than the intermittent supervision of the slave and hired labour tending to to their livestock and landed estates: weddings, funerals and religious feasts were all celebrated with huge feasts. Weddings are attend by the upper echelon, while funerals are attended by the people of the community: often business is combined with pleasure, where senior members meet to discuss and make decisions whilst over dinner and drinks. This could be an example of the wine of the elders (gerousion onion) or the royal banquet . This was held by the king when he wished to discuss matters of public interest with the elders (gerontes), the senior members of aristocratic families. Although the king provides the venue, the cost of the feast is at the expense of the public.
