On Thursday 23rd April 2026, Nia Morris from the University of Liverpool offered students, staff, and members of the public a fascinating insight into food, culture, and society in the ancient world.

Titled “Drink! Eat! Indulge your soul!”, the lecture explored how food in Ancient Greece was far more than simple sustenance; it was a powerful expression of identity, status, and community. Central to this was the symposium—a highly ritualised social gathering that combined wine, conversation, poetry, and philosophical debate. Renowned thinkers such as Plato and Socrates were closely associated with these occasions, where intellectual exchange was just as important as dining itself.

Blue Coat students and members of the public were treated to a wide-ranging exploration of the Greek diet, including everyday foods such as bread, olives, fish, honey, and wine. The lecture also considered the wider cultural significance of eating, from social hierarchy and hospitality to the more light-hearted challenges of annoying dinner guests and traditional party games within the symposium.

Nia highlighted how diet was shaped by geography and trade, as well as how Greek dining reflected philosophical ideas of moderation and balance, linking closely to broader ideals of the “good life.” The religious and communal importance of feasting was also explored, with shared meals and offerings to the gods playing a vital role in festivals and civic identity.

This enriching event significantly enhances the school’s distinctive Latin and Classics provision, enabling students to engage with the ancient world beyond the classroom. While texts studied in Latin and Classical Civilisation frequently reference banquets, hospitality, and daily life, these contexts can remain abstract without deeper exploration. Through this expert lecture, students developed a more vivid, nuanced, and tangible understanding of the societies they study.

We wish Nia every success as she continues her doctoral studies.