11 Peculiar Roman Dinner Etiquettes We Just Can't Understand Today

We've all heard stories of ancient Rome's decadence and opulence. But when it comes to their dinner etiquette, the Romans took things to a whole new level of bizarre. For instance, did you know they deliberately vomited during meals to make room for more courses?

11. Tasty Treats for Pets

In Rome, it was considered perfectly polite to toss food scraps to the pet dogs under the table during meals. Your furry friend was part of the dinner party! Dogs were regarded as beloved members of the household, so including them in meals was seen as a kindness. This casual habit of allowing pets to roam underfoot and eat fallen morsels would be a major faux pas in our era of rigidly separating spaces for humans and animals.

10. Laying Down the Law

There were strict seating arrangements based on social status. The most honored guest reclined at the 'locus consularis' on the central couch facing the entrance. Less important guests were situated further away according to rank. Seating was a matter of intense importance, meticulously choreographed to avoid giving offense. The same rigid hierarchical order was also observed in terms of who got served first and received the best portions of each dish.

9. Dinner and a Show

Wealthy Romans loved to be entertained during meals. Dances, acrobatics, music performances, and even executions were performed while they dined! Banquet halls had stages for live dinner entertainment as a way to show off the host's prosperity. Acrobats, dancers, singers and poets would provide the floor show. In some cases, condemned prisoners were forcibly brought out to be tortured or executed as a cruel form of amusement to top off the night.

8. No Napkins Allowed

You'd think the Romans would use napkins to clean up after eating with their hands, right? Nope! Etiquette dictated that wiping one's mouth or hands on the tablecloth was perfectly acceptable behavior. Guests frequently re-used soiled napkins from previous courses as well. This made tablecloths disgustingly soiled by the end of meals. However, the wealthy considered this untidiness a non-issue since slaves handled the laundry. For the rest, it was simply an unavoidable part of life.

7. Eating with Hands

In ancient Rome, forks didn't exist yet. The diners simply ate with their hands, using knives and spoons for only limited purposes. Can you imagine the mess? Bread was used to soak up sauces and oils from the plate. Fingers were the utensils, making for a very hands-on dining experience, literally. The lack of forks made quite a sloppy situation, especially for saucy dishes.

6. Reclining to Dine

You read that right - the wealthy Romans didn't sit upright at the dinner table. Instead, they reclined on cushioned couches arranged in a U-shape called a 'triclinium' while eating! Only the slaves and children sat on chairs. This reclining position was considered the height of civilization and relaxation for the upper classes. The layout allowed diners to easily converse and lounge around the table without restrictions. It also symbolized their life of luxury and leisure.

5. Drinking Wine in a Specific Order

Ah, the Romans knew how to savor their drinks! They served wine in a particular sequence, starting light and gradually getting stronger. Light whites first, then the richer reds - it was like a delightful wine-tasting journey! Can you imagine the rosy cheeks and merry laughter as the night went on?

4. Removing Shoes Before Reclining

Talk about fancy! Removing shoes was a must before lounging on those plush dining couches. After all, you wouldn't want to soil the luxurious fabrics with your dusty sandals, would you? The Romans took their feasting seriously - it was an event to look forward to and prepare for!

3. Using Sponges or Bread for Wiping

No fancy napkins here! The Romans got resourceful, using sponges or spare bread to wipe their hands and mouths during meals. Efficient and eco-friendly, don't you think? Though we can't help but wonder how those sponges were cleaned...perhaps best not to dwell on that!

2. Employing Food Tasters

Safety first, even for the wealthy Romans! They employed special food tasters to ensure no poisonous surprises ruined their lavish feasts. Can you imagine the relief when the taster gave the all-clear? Or the drama if they didn't? Talk about high-stakes dining!

1. Triclinium: The Feasting Room

The Romans had a special dining room just for their extravagant feasts - the triclinium. Couches arranged in a U-shape, plush fabrics, and an air of indulgence. Stepping into one of those rooms must have felt like entering another world, a realm of pure hedonistic pleasure. Count us in!