At least that is the way the old Republican convivia were viewed in retrospect, as pleasant classless affairs where social barriers were lowered and normal conventions relaxed, with inferiors allowed to indulge freely in sharp wit without fear of recrimination.
'I serve the same to everyone, for when I invite guests it is for a meal, not to make class distinctions,' wrote the younger Pliny. 'I have brought them as equals to the same table, so I give them the same treatment in everything.'
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