From the elaborate banquets of ancient civilizations to the lavish soirées of the Renaissance, feasts have left an indelible mark on human culture and society. They reveal the culinary delights of their time and the social hierarchies, power dynamics, and cultural exchanges that have shaped our past.

Food historian Francine Segan uncovers the hidden layers of meaning behind the food, drink, and rituals that have defined such gatherings throughout the ages and spotlights the distinctive foods of royal tables in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In each session, participants receive a list of recipes for delicious dishes from across antiquity to make at home.

Session Information

Dinner with Caesar

Roast peacock or flamingo tongue, anyone? Travel to ancient Rome for a peek at daily life in the time of the Caesars—when gluttony ruled. Examine citizens' routines such as workouts and steam baths at the public gymnasiums; amphitheater events; strolls through marketplaces; and evenings spent at lavish feasts. Learn about the delicacies, etiquette, and dining oddities of the time; hear the latest jokes and gossip that would have been shared at meals; and trace the origins of today’s Italian favorites including pizza and pesto.

Additional Sessions of Feasting with Royalty

• August 19: Dinner with Cleopatra
• September 16: Dinner with Alexander the Great

General Information

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