Feasting & Etiquette: Decoding Roman Triclinium Traditions

Feasting & Etiquette: Decoding Roman Triclinium Traditions

Hey there, Rome-dwellers! Grab a goblet of your favourite Falernian wine and get comfy on your couch, because it's time to dive into the mouth-watering, yet mind-boggling world of Roman triclinium traditions!

The Triclinium Lowdown

First things first, for those of you who've spent too much time at the gladiator games and not enough time swanning around villas, let's cover the basics. A 'triclinium' is not a new cure for the common cold or the latest trend in chariot wheel design. No, my friends, the triclinium is where the culinary magic happens. If a Roman feast was a theatrical play, the triclinium would be the grand stage.

Imagine this. Three couches, set up in a U-shape around a central table. Triclinium literally translates to "three couches", and let me tell you, these aren't your average IKEA futons. They're decked out with plush cushions and rich fabrics, because when we Romans do dinner, we do it in style.

The Art of Reclining

Once you've found your way to the triclinium, it's time to master the art of Roman dining: reclining. That's right, we eat lying down. Forget about bar stools or dining chairs - that's so 500 BC. We're in the big leagues now.

The key to successful reclining is all about position. A Roman feast is not just about food, it's about conversation, networking, and showing off just how much you can eat while practically horizontal. The guest of honor gets the best spot - the middle couch. The host takes up the residence at the lowest couch, ready to hop up and cater to the guests' whims. The rest of the guests fill up the remaining space, and remember, left elbow down, right hand free for all that feasting!

Feast Your Eyes (and Stomachs)

Speaking of feasting, let's talk food. Roman feasts are a true spectacle, with course after course of exotic dishes. Flamingo tongue, anyone? How about a dish of dormice? Or perhaps you'd prefer something more traditional like stewed snails. There's something for everyone. And of course, it's all washed down with copious amounts of wine, because what's a Roman feast without a little tipsy toga talk?

Roman Dining Etiquette

Now, you may think that the Roman Triclinium is all about gluttony and excess, but we have our rules too. When it comes to etiquette, we Romans know our stuff.

No double-dipping, folks - it's gross and highly frowned upon. And remember, it's all about balance - eat too little and you're a snob, eat too much and you're a glutton. And don't even think about smuggling out leftovers in your toga. That's just not done.

So there you have it, a beginners guide to navigating the wild and wonderful world of Roman Triclinium feasts. Now get out there and start reclining!

In the words of the great philosopher Epicurus, "We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink". So grab your friends, find a triclinium, and let the feasting begin!

Until next time, Rome-dwellers, Valete - Be well!