Publication

2014 - Oxford University Press

Language

English

Word Count

100,000 words, Guess

Page Count

400 pages

Identifiers

  • ISBN-139780199684014
  • ISBN-100199684014
  • Library of Congress Control Number2013943038
  • OCLC Control Number833405035
  • Better World Books9780199684014
and 1 more

Classifications

  • LCCDF100
  • LCCDF100 .W43 2014

Description

In this book Wecowski offers a comprehensive account of the origins of the symposion and its close relationship with the rise of the Greek city-state or polis. Broadly defined as a culture-oriented aristocratic banquet, the symposion - which literally means 'drinking together' - was a nocturnal wine party held by Greek aristocrats from Homer to Alexander the Great. Its distinctive feature was the crucial importance of diverse cultural competitions, including improvising convivial poetry, among the guests. Cultural skills and abilities were a prerequisite in order for one to be included in elite drinking circles, and, as such, the symposion served as a forum for the natural selection of Greek aristocracy.

Subjects

Other Editions

  • The Rise of the Greek Aristocratic BanquetOxford University Press2014-01-01

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