The ancient Greek meal distinguishes between *sitos* (the cereal base: bread or barley maza) and *opson* (what accompanies it: olives, cheese, fish, meat). The *deipnon*, the evening meal, is followed by the *symposion*, where wine mixed with water is drunk while conversing. Among the Macedonians, who were rougher and more inclined toward meat and undiluted wine than the Southern Greeks, the royal banquet could turn into a lavish feast.

At Alexander's table, wine (often drunk undiluted, Macedonian-style, which scandalized the Greeks) and honey — the only true sweetener in the ancient world — marked both the common soldier's fare and the splendor of the banquet. *Garum* (fermented fish sauce) and *silphium* seasoned the dishes.