Deipnosophistae

The Surprising Meaning of “Parasite” in Ancient Greece

Nowadays, the word “parasite” carries a strongly negative connotation, but its original meaning was quite different in Ancient Greece. Today, parasites are understood not only as organisms that feed off other living beings and are harmful but also as people...

How Ancient Greeks Invented the First Patent System

  While patents are often considered a modern legal invention, evidence suggests that Ancient Greek society may have developed early forms of patent-like protection. Writing in the 3rd century AD, the Greek author Athenaeus of Naucratis points to a system...

First Food Award Invented in Ancient Greece

While it's not a Michelin star as we all know it, the first food award originated in Ancient Greece. The Ancient Greek world was not limited to today's borders. Many cities in other Mediterranean territories spoke the Greek language and...

Deipnosophistae: The Ancient Greek Treatise on Philosophy, Food, and Culture

Deipnosophistae is a work by Athenaeus, written around 200 CE, about well-read people philosophizing at the dinner table and enjoying good food and drink. The title is a combination of two words: Deipnos (Δείπνος) meaning Dinner and Sophists (Σοφιστές) meaning teachers...