text-In the Iliad, Homer/
CENTURIES
OF THE
SYMPOSIA
In the Iliad, Homer describes the sumptuous banquets held by the Greek rulers. A century later the symposium becomes established as an aristocratic institution throughout Greece. 

A cup from this period is found on the island of Pithecusae (modern-day Ischia, Italy). Known as Nestor's cup, the inscription it bears promises that whoever drinks from it will be possessed by desire. 

DIONYSUS ROMAN COPY 
OF GREEK ORIGINAL 
FROM 400 B.C. 
PETER HORREE ALAMY/ACI 

