Week 1: The Dawn of Civilization. Learn how agriculture arose in the Levant (Nile to the Tigris and Euphrates) and how it spurred the development of urban organization, political systems, social classes and civilization.
Week 2: Egypt – Gift of Osiris. Egyptian civilization and life depended on the Nile and its importance was reflected in all areas of ancient Egyptian culture and religion. Learn about the role agriculture and food played in Egypt's rise to power, its economy, its religious ceremonies and lavish banquets.
Week 3: A Taste of Ancient Greece. In this intriguing talk we discover the role of food in the culture, politics, religion and trade of Classical Athens. And if you want to know what Greek men REALLY got up to at symposiums, you won’t want to miss this presentation!
Week 4: Empire of Pleasure – Food & Feasts in Imperial Rome. Do Roman Banquets conjure up images of peacocks tongues and vomitoriums? Imperial Rome’s sensory culture created an insatiable demand for Eastern spices and luxury foods. In this fascinating talk, we examine the role food played in Roman culture & politics, including how it may have contributed to its downfall.
Week 5: Carnival in the Middle Ages. A lively look at the role of food in the economic and cultural life of the Middle Ages. Learn about the fantastic visual theater that made up a medieval banquet, what the rules of etiquette were and how the ceremony of dining was used for influencing and impressing. Discover what was really served at a banquet, and how to re-create a Middle Ages Feast at home.