Thursday, 8 January 2009
Greeks Invent Pubs
An interesting piece here. Making due allowance for archaeologists' habit of drawing large conclusions from scant evidence (and taking absence of evidence for evidence of absence), it does seem plausible enough that the ancient Greeks drank not in tavernas but in, literally, public houses. Why not? The idea of 'home' as an entirely private place is of pretty recent origin. However, if erotic decor is the sign of a brothel, then the whole of Pompeii must have been one huge knocking shop. Maybe it was? 'We've got just 48 hours to find out...'
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"I'm just popping down to t' Archimedes arms pet. Back in time for t' eruption". Due to an error in translation this became "in time for t' erection.
ReplyDeleteHmm. I think pubs predate the Greeks. In "Gilgamesh," the earliest parts of the epic date to about 2700 B.C. and they show Enkido, the wild man, being urged to have a few pints and eat some bread with a bunch of shepherds in what looks awfully like a pub scene. Also, don't know if it's just the translation, but one goddess lives in a "taverna" -- an inn with a pub, no?
ReplyDeleteOh, I come back and you're at it again. Being filthy, I mean. Could we dispense with the erections, please?
ReplyDeleteO yes it's pretty primal really - convivial drinking. Even animals do it whenever they get the chance - if they could build pubs they would...
ReplyDelete