Domitian’s Memento Mori Party (c. 90 CE)
Emperor Domitian idea of a party was a little different than others. Instead of a celebration of life and all its joys, in 89 or 90 CE, Domitian allegedly threw a party in honor of death, leaving his guests less amused than terrified for their lives. His decorators painted the banquet hall black. Not just the decorations, but the floor, walls, ceilings, everything. Guests were escorted to dining couches next to a tombstone with their name on it.
Slaves dressed as phantoms lurked about, serving from black dishes. The feast featured the food, dyed black, traditionally left for the dead at cemeteries and temples. The guests, Roman senators and other aristocracy, spent the party wondering if it was going to come with a summons for their execution, but Domitian had no intention of murdering guests. The tombstones were solid silver meant as gifts to the nervous guests.
