Roman Dining

This article describes the dining customs and practices of the Romans. It begins with a discussion of the history of Roman dining practices and looks at the architecture and placement of the dining room. Social dining, the presence of women in social banquets, the preparation rituals, and the dining apparatus used are also studied. It shows that social dining can involve entertainers and other forms of frivolities, and public banquets were held by a benefactor for a large group of people. The article also takes a look at the ideals and ethics involved in the convivium. Other types of social dining events are described.