Symposium was an ancient Greek drinking party (sympotein means
"to drink together”) typically held by men of means to celebrate
special occasions, such as the coming of age of their sons. They
also served an important social function in the Polis because
they brought groups of men together for debate, argument, and
political strategizing. Symposia were held in the part of a
Greek house that was for men only. Guests would enter, recline
on couches, and talk while they were served food and wine. After
the meal was finished, wine continued to be served as the
participants were entertained by singers, musicians, slaves, or
hired performers. One person, designated as the Symposiarch, was
responsible for keeping the revelry under control. He managed
the servants and the dilution of the wine. Greeks never drank
wine full strength because they thought only drunkards and
people of low quality would do so. The typical dilution was 1:3
wine to water. Three types of pottery were used at these events:
The Kylix was a drin