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.
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Dinner with Cleopatra
Journey back to ancient Egypt for an entertaining and informative foray into its foods and lush dining. Discover fascinating tidbits about Cleopatra’s dinner parties, including why guests wore wax cones; how Egyptians kneaded dough with their feet; and the must-serve foods for pyramid builders. Learn about the ancient Egyptian trick for tying a cord around the waist to prevent overeating; the foods harvested from the fertile Nile Valley; and the centuries-old health secrets and remedies of the pharaohs, including the many aphrodisiacs and foods that accompanied them in their tombs.
Additional Sessions of Feasting with Royalty
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