Book details
The Deipnosophists; or, Banquet of the Learned of Athenæus, Vol. 1 (of 3)
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Stored record
Metadata
- Gutenberg ID
- 36921
- Title
- The Deipnosophists; or, Banquet of the Learned of Athenæus, Vol. 1 (of 3)
- Language
- en
- Book source
- Project Gutenberg
- Description max 80 words
-
A witty, encyclopedic dialogue set at a lavish Roman banquet hosted by Laurentius. Athenaeus and his learned guests explore ancient literature, cuisine, and customs through endless quotations, offering a treasure trove of lost classical knowledge.
- Summary up to 500 words
-
In *The Deipnosophists*, Athenaeus presents a vast intellectual feast hosted by the Roman noble Laurentius, attended by a distinguished assembly of scholars including the physician Galen, the philosopher Democritus, and the grammarian Zoilus. Structured as a dialogue in the Platonic tradition, the work serves as a massive anthology preserving fragments from lost ancient works. The conversation covers an astonishing breadth of topics, ranging from the history of feasting and the classification of fish and vegetables to the mechanics of ancient machinery and the extravagance of royal processions. The narrative begins with a detailed description of the banquet's guests, who debate the merits of various foods, musical instruments, and social customs. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to culinary arts, offering extensive discussions on specific fish species like the *chrysophrys*, *thrissa*, and *sea-sparrow*, often citing authorities such as Archestratus, Aristotle, and Epicharmus. The dialogue frequently shifts from philosophical banter to detailed descriptions of recipes and the preparation of dishes. Beyond the culinary, the work provides a comprehensive guide to the intellectual and material culture of the ancient world. It includes vivid accounts of sumptuous royal processions, such as those of Ptolemy Philadelphus, featuring wagons drawn by elephants, Satyrs, and exotic beasts, laden with gold and silver vessels. The text explores the lives of parasites, flatterers, and slaves, while also examining the customs of various nations, from the temperance of the Lacedaemonians to the luxury of the Tarentines. Through the voices of its erudite guests, Athenaeus combines humor with deep learning, creating a unique window into the gastronomic, scientific, and artistic life of Greece and Rome.
- LLM editorial rating
- 4.2/5
- Download URL
- https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/36921.epub.noimages
- Local file path
-
data/epubs/pg36921.epub - Downloaded at
- 2026-07-08 13:48 UTC
People
Authors
- of Naucratis Athenaeus
Classification
Categories
- Classics
- Social Life and Customs