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symposion

Symposion is a term used to describe a social gathering in ancient Greece, centered on conversation, wine, and music. The word derives from the Greek symposion, formed from syn- “together” and potos “drinking,” and it denotes a convivial event that followed a banquet.

In classical practice, a symposion was typically attended by invited men of status and conducted in a

The symposion features prominently in ancient literature and philosophy. Plato’s dialogue the Symposium takes place at

In modern usage, symposion or symposia is used more broadly to denote gatherings designed for discussion and

See also: Symposium; Symposia; Symposion (disambiguation).

private
room
with
couches.
The
host,
or
symposiarch,
regulated
the
order
of
drinking,
the
topics
of
discussion,
and
the
pace
of
the
evening.
Guests
would
drink,
recite
or
perform
poetry
and
music,
and
engage
in
games
and
storytelling,
using
the
occasion
to
display
wit
and
cultivate
social
bonds.
a
banquet-like
gathering
and
presents
speeches
on
love
and
the
good
life.
Other
accounts
by
Xenophon
and
references
in
drama
illustrate
the
event
as
a
space
for
social
bonding,
intellectual
exchange,
and
cultural
performance.
scholarship,
such
as
academic
conferences
or
colloquia.
Some
works,
organizations,
or
events
adopt
Symposion
as
a
title
to
evoke
the
historical
setting
for
discourse
and
collaboration.