The ancient Romans had an unusual tradition - they ate while lying down. Special rooms were built in their houses, where they received guests and had meals on couches. The feast could last a long time, so they tried to make the couches as comfortable as possible. But why did the ancient Romans eat lying down? 
Where did the tradition come from?
The Romans did not invent eating while lying down. They borrowed the tradition from their neighbors, the ancient Greeks, who also ate food on special beds. 
Greek symposium
The Romans slightly changed their approach to meals. Instead of individual tables, they made one, thereby showing their community. Also, the Romans put out all the food and drink at once, so there was no need for a large number of serving staff.
Triclinium
This was the name of a special room in which feasts were held in ancient Rome. Kliniyas were special massive beds on which the hosts and guests sat. Also called a triclinium in Rome, a table with three wedges.
In the room for holding feasts there was a large square table, and on three sides, in the letter P, there were wedges. The fourth side remained free so that servants could approach the table. One bed was designed for 3 people, and in such a way that it was comfortable to lie on it for a long time. Thus, no more than 9 people could be present at the meal. 
Triclinium
When the Roman Empire began to develop and more guests needed to be accommodated, the Romans began to enlarge the rooms. They began to install the same tables with three beds, but there were already several such blocks in the hall. It resembled a banquet hall with separate tables.
Why eat while lying down?
The Romans did a lot while lying down: they ate, read, wrote, discussed important matters and just talked. During intellectual activity, this contributed to the brain's concentration on the mental process. After all, in a relaxed state, the muscles sent fewer signals, so they did not distract the brain. 
As for food, this body position made it possible to eat more of the food offered. In order not to offend the owner, the guests tried to try as many dishes as possible, and while lying down, satiety came later. In addition, when you lie on your left side, the load on the stomach is reduced, and you do not feel discomfort from overeating.
How does eating while lying down affect the body?
Modern man should not eat while lying down. Despite the fact that you don’t feel any heaviness in your stomach, you can eat too much, which will result in excess weight. In addition, such food intake can lead to some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Of course, the ancient Romans were in good physical shape, since they fought a lot, and they were almost not in danger of obesity, but they were not immune from stomach problems.
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