The syssitia (Ancient Greek: συσσίτια syssítia, plural of συσσίτιον syssítion) [1] were, in ancient Greece, common meals for men and youths in social or religious groups, especially in Crete and Sparta, but also in Megara in the time of Theognis of Megara (sixth century BCE) and Corinth in the time of Periander (seventh ...

symposium, In ancient Greece, an aristocratic banquet at which men met to discuss philosophical and political issues and recite poetry. It began as a warrior feast. Rooms were designed specifically for the proceedings.

Sep 4, 2018 · The Syssitia and the Brotherhood Born From Breaking Bread. Once called andreia — literally “belonging to men” — the syssitia, Rahe explains, “was not just an arrangement for meals. It was an elite men’s club, a cult organization, …

Spartan law required all adult Spartan citizens to join and share their evening meals with a specific dining club or syssitia. Absence without leave from a syssitia was heavily fined. The origins of this peculiar tradition are controversial.

In Crete the people always sat clown while eating, and in Sparta this was originally the custom; but after a short time they were in the habit of reclining on wooden benches. In Crete there was a public fund for the syssitia.

The Syssitia of the Cretans were distinguished by simplicity and temperance. They always sat at their tables, even in later times, when the custom of reclining had been introduced at Sparta (Cic. pro Mur. 35, § 74).

Mar 1, 2024 · Syssitia: The Communal Eating Ritual of the Spartans. Spartans had a unique way of eating together in large groups called Syssitia. Instead of dining alone, Spartans participated in these communal eating fraternities, where around 15 …

syssitia the practice or custom, as among the ancient Spartans and Cretans, of eating the main meal of the day together in public to strengthen social and political bonds. See also: Food and Nutrition , Greece and Greeks , Society

Apr 1, 2025 · "syssitia" published on by null. The generic name for mess‐companies of citizens, in various Greek cities, but esp. in Sparta and Crete. In Classical Sparta the messes, each some fifteen strong, were located in separate structures by the Hyacinthian Way.

Dive into the history and significance of syssitia, an ancient Roman practice that provided young men with exposure to different households, cultures, and ways of life. Learn about its purpose, responsibilities, and similarities with modern-