The principal meal of the day came about sunset. The
master of the house, if he had no guests, shared the repast with his wife and
children. For a man of moderate means the ordinary fare was very much what it
is now in Greece—bread, olives, figs, cheese, and a little meat as an
occasional luxury. At the end of the meal the diners refreshed themselves with
wine mixed with water. The Greeks appear to have been usually as temperate in
their drink as they were frugal in their food. The remainder of the evening
would be devoted to conversation and music and possibly a little reading. As a
rule the Athenian went early to bed.
MORNING ROUND OF A ROMAN NOBLE
A Roman of the higher class, who lived in late republican
or early imperial times, passed through much the same daily routine as an
Athenian citizen in the days of Pericles. He rose at an early hour and after a
light breakfast dispatched his private business with the help of his steward
and manager. He then took his place in the atrium to meet the crowd of
poor dependents who came to pay their respects to their patron and to receive
their usual morning alms—either food or sufficient money to buy a modest
dinner. Having greeted his visitors and perhaps helped them in legal or
business matters, the noble entered his litter and was carried down to the
Forum. Here he might attend the law courts to plead a case for himself or for
his clients. If he were a member of the Senate, he would take part in the
deliberations of that body. At eleven o'clock, when the ordinary duties of the
morning were over, he would return home to eat his luncheon and enjoy the
midday rest, or siesta. The practice of having a nap in the heat of the day
became so general that at noon the streets of a Roman city had the same
deserted appearance as at midnight.