In his Table-Talk (VII, 714A – VIII, 717A), Plutarch introduces a theme which also occurs
in Maximus of Tyre’s Oration XXII ‘On proper entertainment’, viz. the Persian habit to discuss
important subjects over wine. Both authors consider this matter in the context of a wider moralphilosophical
reflection on the appropriate way of dealing with deliberation, drinking and
drunkenness, but each of them comes to a different appreciation, which seems quite indicative
for their position throughout their wider oeuvre: whereas Plutarch seems to attribute high value
to the custom of the symposium and even uses it as an inspiring setting for his Table Talk,
Maximus often associates it with flattery and immoderate drunkenness, which entails a real
threat for the virtuous man. By comparing these two authors’ opinion on the symposium, this
paper enlarges the understanding of the Plutarchan symposium within its Greek and Roman
context, and highlights the philosophically and socially distinctive position of both authors visà-
vis their contemporary audience.