In “Courtesans and Fishcakes” by James Davidson, he gives us insight about Ancient Greek civilization's hedonistic appetite. Utilizing ancient Greek text and anecdotes from playwrights, James Davidson, a professor in ancient history at the University of Warwick, gives a detailed, new take on Athenian pleasures that is often overlooked. Davidson argues that pleasure, fish, alcohol, and sex are crucial in daily life in Ancient Greece, but they are criticized through a complex social and political lens at the same time.
In the first chapter, Davidson explores the importance of fish in Ancient Greece. Although a predominant delicacy in Ancient Greece, it was often seen as gluttony to over consume fish and used by other Athenians to judge one's character, as revealed in historical fragments.As an example, Davidson analyzes the philosopher Socrates' conversation with others regarding a young man at a dinner party. Socrates believes that by watching him, they can tell whether or not he is an opsophagos. Fish were also believed to hold supernatural powers and were often associated with love spells. Such as in “Golden Ass” by Apeluis an ancient Greek Author, a man was accused of casting love spells on a rich older woman through magical fish. Regarding rituals, fish were rarely used as sacrifice, since meat usually was shared amongst the community, fish was saved for the individual's pleasure. ”Fish [...] was an extra, something that could not be justified on grounds other than a sheer love of pleasure.” (Davidson,Courtesans and Fishcakes,p. 577) Unlike meat, fish was a limited indulgence taken in moderation.
Davidson also spoke about the conflicting views on alcohol. In modern times, alcohol has been considered harmful and intoxicating, anthropologists suggest that ancient societies only used alcohol sparingly and on appropriate occasions. Athenians, notably, viewed drinking watered down wine as culturally significant. Citizens would drink out of the same bowls to form social bonds, and also common during religious rituals unlike beer which they considered to be, “a mark of their barbarism that the barbarians drank beer.” (Davidson,Courtesans and Fishcakes, p.936) Wine that wasn’t watered down and instead used as a way to get intoxicated was condemned since it meant that the individual put self pleasure over companionship.
In the second chapter, Davidson explores the desire and fascination for prostitutes, this need for pleasure was seen as futile in Ancient society. Women were considered secondary citizens in Ancient Athens, only valued for the ability to produce a heir, in contrast prostitutes exclusively used for pleasure. Brothels were also captivating and seductive, yet were known for men's ultimate downfall. Also many perceived buying sex differently from sex between couples, as observed by Davidson. However, the act of buying escorts and Hetaera was controversial due to the stigma and justified by those who gained pleasure from the power imbalance.
The third chapter Davidson discusses the different view that modern society has on addiction. In our modern time, addiction is a substance that has been over indulged in and now the person is incapable of self restraint. On the other hand, in Ancient Greece addiction was seen as almost a natural hurdle since it was normal to want to indulge in your own desires. Davidson argues that all men had pleasures that they wanted to surrender into however only some did. Famous figures like Phoenicides,recognized for their lack of resistance with fish, were often used repeatedly in comedic plays. An addiction to alcohol brought about social dilemmas due to the effect on rationality of an individual. According to Davidson, love and sex was infectious. The author uses examples from Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata,” where women ended the Peleponesian war, by withholding sex from Spartan and Athenian men. Additionally, Homosexual relationships even between men were seen as normal. Only the kinaidoi, received backlash for their crossdressing and feminization. As stated by the author, “sex as one-sided enjoyment, has been crucial in helping to construct penetration as power,” (Davidson,Courtesans and Fishcakes,p. 268) making the kinaidos an addict of pleasure and submission.
The final chapter explores politics in Ancient Greek, particularly in Athens. Known for its democracy, which encouraged participation from its male citizens. However, the amount of freedom granted also brought about multiple dilemmas. Since there was little to no policing in private business, class division between the rich and the poor were often condemned to different lifestyles. Not only was there financial class division, but even between populations, like men, women, slaves, and metics, even with just men there was a separation between those who served the state and those who did not. This “class confusion” as Davidson argues, showed how groups in social and economic groups were not easily defined, contributing to the internal conflicts of Athenian democracy. Davidson also states that Athenian pleasures and desires were seen as dangerous since many believed it could lead to the overthrow of the Athenian government. These desires, although normal, show the “beastly” side of humans and could instead create more damage than good.
James Davidson’s “Courtesans and Fishcakes” presents a unique take on Greek daily life instead of its major achievements. Davidson uses historical text as primary sources for many of his arguments and only uses secondary sources when speaking about more modern takes on Ancient Greek history. The complex societal nature and contradictions of Ancient Society, according to Davidsons analysis, highlights the importance of self-restraint. While the book gives us great knowledge in these subjects, Davidsons can show repetitiveness in his writing making it difficult to read. Yet he still makes his writing interesting for his audience by giving multiple sources of information. Overall, Davidson’s book presents compelling and innovative arguments.
In conclusion “Courtesans and Fishcakes” by James Davidson, sheds light on the intricate hedonistic appetite for fish, wine, and sex in Ancient Greece. Using ancient text, Davidson gives compelling evidence to his arguments about daily life pleasures in Ancient Greece. Davisons new approach to historic interpretation has and will continue to influence our modern world's understanding of Ancient Greece.
Citations:
- Courtesans and Fishcakes: The Consuming Passions of Classical Athens (Text Only) Kindle Edition, by James Davidson