Examples of how Greek men participated among each other at gatherings such as symposia can be traced back to Homer (Ford 2002; 28). Conversation allowed symposiasts and hetairai to further their own interests and pursuits, be it for knowledge, business, or political gain. However, poetry, often accompanied by music, was considered the heart of symposium culture (Vetta 1999; 102). Professional bards as well as symposiasts performed, allowing interactive entertainment among guests.
