Dining in Ancient Rome

The ancient Hebrews, Egyptians, and Greeks. used to eat sitting on mats spread on the floor. The Romans actually reclined on couches around a table. The couches were arranged forming three sides of a square. The open side was for the servants who would bring the dishes. The three couches were designated highest, middle, and lowest. The highest was the place of honor and he had no one facing his back. The body would lay diagonally on the couch, the head being near the table, and the feet stretched out toward the back of the couch. The left elbow rested on a cushion which supported the upper part of the body, and the right arm was free to eat the food. This way of dining became common throughout the Greco-Roman world.

"Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?"

- John 21:20

"Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon."

- John 13:23-26

"Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded."

- John 13:3-5

"For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper."

- Luke 14:24