Attic workshop 2nd - 1st c BC. Symposiums had religious origins. The libation of undiluted wine in honor of Zeus or any of the other Olympian Gods, praising Apollo with hymns, was part of the Symposiums, that used to have also a philosophic and artistic character. Music accompanied the conversations on topics such as philosophy, poetry, politics, medicine, and the issues of the day. Symposiasts might also compete in rhetorical contests. This is the reason why nowadays, the word 'Symposium' refers to events with speeches like academic conferences or councils. As this relief depicts, the Symposiums were not only places for discussion and pure entertainment; Naked women playing the aulos or dancing with men were obvious topics on these carvings. This implies that sometimes the line was crossed due to overdrinking and many of the men participating were engaged to sexual activities.