A symposium, when aristocratic men gathered together and drank, conversed and enjoyed various entertainments, often began with singing hymns to the gods and pouring offerings of wine mixed with water and honey.
A symposium might be held to celebrate a wedding or a victory at the games, to honour a distinguished guest or for the festival of a god. Whatever the reason, it is clear that the ancient Greeks and Romans enjoyed a cup of wine as much as their heroes and gods did.
This kylix (wine cup) shows a relaxed participant (called a symposiast) reclining on a couch. His mouth is slightly open as if he is singing or shouting. He wears a celebratory filet (wreath) and holds a cup. In front of the couch is a three-legged table and on it is a oinochoe. A walking stick is propped against the couch.
