Ancient Greek cuisine was characterized by its frugality for most, reflecting agricultural hardship, but a great diversity of ingredients was known, and wealthy Greeks were known to celebrate with elaborate meals and feasts.
Terracotta model representing a lion's paw tripod table, 2nd–1st century BCE, from Myrina, Louvre
Banqueter playing kottabos, a playful subversion of the libation, ca. 510 BCE, Louvre
Woman kneading bread, c. 500–475 BCE, National Archaeological Museum of Athens
Sacrifice; principal source of meat for city dwellers — here a boar; tondo of an Attic kylix by the Epidromos Painter, c. 510–500 BCE, Louvre.
Agriculture in ancient Greece
Agriculture was the foundation of the Ancient Greek economy. Nearly 80% of the population was involved in this activity.
Harvesting olives. British Museum
An ear of barley, symbol of wealth in the city of Metapontum in Magna Graecia (i.e. the Greek colonies of southern Italy), stamped stater, c. 530–510 BCE
Bronze billygoat found in the deme of Kephissia, 5th century BCE, Louvre
The olive; a foundation of Greek agriculture – here in Karystos, Euboea