Oxford University Press - Sympotica: A Symposium on the Symposion

Explore the profound impact of the ancient Greek symposion through this comprehensive scholarly work. As the first book dedicated to the symposion as a whole, Sympotica examines the male drinking group's influence across multiple facets of archaic and classical Greek life. From the evolution of political structures and warfare to the artistic details found in painted pottery and poetry, this collection provides a deep look into how these social gatherings shaped ancient society. This volume brings together diverse academic perspectives to investigate the symposion's connection to sexual attitudes and conceptions of pleasure. Readers will find a wide range of topics covered, including anthropology, archaeology, art history, literary studies, history, and philosophy. Published by Oxford University Press as part of the Clarendon Paperbacks series, this book serves as a vital resource for students and historians interested in the social customs and cultural foundations of ancient Greece.