The Athenian Symposia

This chapter explains the way symposia were held in Athens (and Ancient Greece in general). A symposion (symposium) was a part of a banquet that took place after the meal, when drinking for pleasure, accompanied by music, dancing, recitals, or conversation. In the symposia hetaerae (courtesans) could also take part, so as to please the attendees, through singing, dancing, participating in a philosophical discussion, and even, by providing the attendees sexual services.