Reclining with elegance: Rich history of dining in ancient Greece, Rome

Imagine a world where meals were not just about food, but about comfort, status, and socializing. From the 7th century B.C. to the Roman Empire, reclining while eating and drinking became a symbol of privilege and sophistication, turning every banquet into a lavish affair. 

The kline (Greek: Ανάκλινδρο), a distinctive piece of furniture used by the ancient Greeks during their symposia, has long intrigued historians and scholars. These couches, which were later adopted by the Romans for their similar gatherings called convivia, played an important role in social customs during these ancient civilizations, according to Greek media.

Numerous works of art, from pottery to frescoes and sculptures, depict the practice of reclining on one side while eating and drinking at a symposium, an event dedicated to socializing and feasting. This custom, which dates back to at least the 7th century B.C., was later embraced by the Romans, who adopted similar dining practices.

One intriguing aspect of this reclining tradition is the consistent portrayal of Greeks reclining exclusively on their left side. The reason behind this specific orientation has puzzled scholars for decades.

Some historians suggest that reclining on the left side allowed individuals to keep their right hand free for holding vessels used during the meal. However, ancient artworks show examples of Greeks reclining on their left side while still using their left hand to eat and drink, leading some to question this theory.

Another theory, grounded in human anatomy, links the practice to digestion. When reclining, the stomach’s curvature can cause gastric acids to rise toward the esophagus, often resulting in heartburn. However, reclining on the left side actually improves digestion by providing more space for food and preventing acid reflux, which may explain why this side was favored.

Regardless of the reason, the practice of reclining during meals was both comfortable and practical. This tradition became widespread in the Mediterranean and endured for centuries.

Experts have also suggested that reclining while being served was a sign of power and luxury, reserved for the elite. Those of lower social status would mimic this relaxed dining style, as long as they could afford it.

During the archaic and classical periods in Greece, dining couches were primarily designed for men, with women—typically slaves, entertainers, or musicians—occasionally reclining during meals. Women were rarely invited to banquets, except on special occasions like weddings, where they were expected to sit upright. It wasn’t until ancient Rome that the custom evolved, allowing upper-class women to recline alongside men.

These couches, essentially "single beds," were designed to accommodate an extra person, particularly during the symposion (symposium), a post-dinner male drinking event. Seven to fifteen of these beds were arranged along the walls of the andron, the men's dining room, each paired with a small table and sometimes a step stool.

Rather than lying fully down, men reclined on their left elbows and used their right hand to eat and drink. They propped themselves up high on pillows for comfort and stability, bending their right knees and pressing them against their left knee to maintain balance.

The reclining practice, which blended comfort, luxury, and social significance, became an iconic feature of ancient Greek and Roman dining culture, continuing to influence dining customs for centuries to come.

By Naila Huseynova