Mosaic of the Buffet Supper
Detail from a dining room mosaic from the House of the Buffet Supper in Daphne, third century AD.
The mosaic shows a fancy buffet supper of several courses, starting in the upper right. First is a cup for hand washing and a rose garland to perfume the table or perhaps for the guest to wear. The plate on the lower right includes boiled eggs in silver eggcups, cold pickled pigs' feet and artichokes, served with small soppons and a bowl of red sauce. Next (middle) is a rectangular tray with elaborate handles bearing the second course, a whole poached fish. In front are round loaves of bread. The third course (left) is a joint of ham.
Not shown in this photo, the scenes continues with a large silver goblet, a round platter with a whole roast fowl, two more round loaves, and shellfish next to another floral wreath overlapping the table edge. In the upper left, the final course of fruit is served in a large transparent bowl.
Antakya Museum, inv. 937. Photo © Dick Osseman. Information from Antioch: The Lost Ancient City
