How to party like an ancient Roman

Roman dinner parties

Roman dinner parties were extravagant affairs. The get-together known as a convivium was an important event in Romans’ social calendar.

Seating

The triclinium would have three chaise lounges known as lectus triclinaris. The seating was arranged in a U-shape.

Power and politics

Ancient Romans liked to party, and they used these occasions to show off their wealth and gain influence and political favor among their peers. It goes without saying that party hosts were not poor.

Guests

Guests would often be important, powerful people, and seating arrangements reflected the guests' status. The three reclining couches of the triclinium reflected how important the guest was. The seat of honor would be in the middle, the host would sit to the right, and the left chaise lounge was reserved for lower-status guests.

As parties grew larger, the type of seating also evolved. The triclinium couches were replaced with a larger stibadium, where up to 12 people could seat.

Bring on the wine!

Wine was the drink of choice at Roman parties. These were traditionally served by undressed males.

Wine cups

Those of higher status would often drink out of silver, and later glass, cups; many of these were decorated with mythological or erotic scenes.

Popular dishes

Popular foods included wild boar, venison, pheasant, peacock, oysters, and lobsters. Sides such as vegetables and beans were also often served.

Exotic foods

But there’s more. How about crawfish with caviar, sausages stuffed with brains, and honey-smeared nightingales stuffed with prunes?

Entertainment

In addition to musicians, a wide range of other entertainers were brought in, including dancers, acrobats, and mimes. Exotic animals would sometimes be displayed as well.

There was no such thing as a vomitorium

There is this myth that the ancient Romans had a specific room where they would vomit, so that they could indulge in more food and drink at their hedonistic affairs. This is actually not true.

Religious affair

The convivium was a private affair with more of a social and political nature, but there was also one type of party that had a religious end. It was called an epulum, and instead of being an exclusive private event, it was open to the public.

Saturnalia

Before Christianity, Saturnalia was a big event. The Roman god of agriculture was celebrated in December and it’s believed to have influenced current Christmas celebrations.

Bacchanalia

These were first held by women, three times a year. Men then started doing the same, but at a much higher frequency. These were private rituals, so what went on exactly is not well known. There was apparently lots of drinking, rumored sex among guests, and even human
sacrifices. These parties were banned in 186 BCE.

Caligula’s party barges

The Roman emperor was known for throwing the wildest parties aboard vessels, which were described as being "blazed with jewels" and "filled with ample baths, galleries, and saloons, and supplied with a great variety of vines and fruit trees."