The Symposium a.k.a. Let's Have An Ancient Greek Kiki (feat. Cosima Carnegie)
Jul 25, 2024
auto_awesome
Discover the gay side of Ancient Greek symposia with champion of the Classics, Cosima Carnegie. Topics include party planning, gay glassware, reclining etiquette, flirting, and more. Dive into pederasty, artwork, humor, and same-sex desire at symposiums. Learn about the queer nature of these parties and demand an apology from Hermann Göring. Also, explore the remarkable life of a black American entertainer in 1920s Paris.
The symposiarch organized the guest list and wine potency, setting the ambiance for ancient Greek symposia.
Symposia fostered pederastic relationships, integrating young men into society through mentorship and cultural transmission.
Symposia hosted by elites included courtesans for sophistication, showcasing diverse social dynamics in ancient Greece.
Deep dives
The Symposiarch Plans and Controls the Symposium
In a symposium, the symposiarch plays a crucial role in organizing the guest list and deciding the potency of the wine. This key figure is tasked with ensuring a smooth flow of the event and creating the appropriate ambiance. The symposium, a gathering marked by shared drinking known as 'commensality,' is designed to foster camaraderie and build connections among participants. The event's structured etiquette and specific drinking vessels hint at the social status and education of the attendees.
Pederasty and Youth Integration into Society
The symposium served as a space where pederastic relationships thrived in ancient Greek society. It provided an avenue for older men to court and mentor younger individuals, integrating them into citizen life. This age-regulated setting allowed for the transmission of cultural knowledge, political insights, and philosophical discussions to the younger generation. The blurred boundaries between romance and education within the symposium underscored the cultural nuances of citizenship for young men.
Riches, Exclusivity, and Diverse Attendees
Symposia were exclusive gatherings frequented by the elite of society, known for their extravagant and refined nature. Despite the focus on affluent guests, the inclusion of courtesans, such as hetairai, added a layer of diversity to the events. These highly skilled companions brought sophistication through music, dance, and engaging conversations, reflecting the complex social dynamics present at symposia.
Symposiums in Ancient Greece: Evolution and Social Dynamics
Symposiums in ancient Greece were not just exclusive boys' clubs but involved a diverse group of attendees, including enslaved individuals, courtesans, and young citizen boys. The nature of symposiums evolved across regions like Rome and Italy, with variations allowing women to participate in Etruscan and early Roman symposiums. These gatherings aimed to showcase wealth, educate the youth, and celebrate communal interactions while navigating societal boundaries.
Celebrations of Love and Dionysian Spirit: Insights from Plato's Symposium and Visual Depictions
The famous Symposium by Plato showcases speeches on love, highlighting philosophical and fanciful interpretations. Aristophanes' comedic fable on love's origin stands out amidst the philosophical discussions. Alcibiades' late arrival reflects inappropriate behavior, emphasizing the theme of love between older and younger men. Visual depictions like the Tomb of the Diver in Italy reveal intimate same-sex desires and festive symposium scenes, reflecting the vibrant and homoerotic nature of these ancient gatherings.
We're back, baby! Join us as we navigate the wine-dark and wine-soaked symposia of Ancient Greece, to discover what exactly was so gay about these all-male drinking parties. (Hint: a lot.)
We cover ancient party planning, gay glassware, reclining etiquette, drunken flirting, and all the subtle arts of homosexual entertaining you need to host a horny soirée 2,500 years ago.
My guest Cosima Carnegie is a champion of the Classics in life and on social media – follow her at @cosisodyssey for more hilarious Ancient Greek and mythological content.